Addiction, childhood experiences and nurse's role in prevention: a qualitative study

Parenting approach and early childhood experiences are thought to be two important factors in the initiation of substance use.

We aimed to explore the nurse's role in the prevention of childhood addiction.

In this qualitative study we conducted in-depth interviews with young men and women who were either in treatment for their addiction or were active drug users as well as with family members and nurses. The data analysis followed Strauss and Corbin's constant comparison method.

The data analysis revealed six categories: traumatic events during childhood, inappropriate parenting approach, Lack of knowledge and a tolerant attitude toward drug use, turning a blind eye on the threat of drug use, nurses' poor experience of drug use prevention, and the lack of a clear definition of the nurse's role in prevention of drug use.

Nurses who work with young people and their families have a special opportunity for prevention, early detection and timely intervention for drug dependency.