Experiences of Caregivers in De-addiction Centers in Western Maharashtra, India: A Qualitative Study

Introduction Engaging in caregiving can be incredibly gratifying for caregivers, but it can also lead to unfavorable outcomes and impose physical and psychological burdens on them. With limited research on the experiences and difficulties encountered by caregivers in de-addiction centers, this study primarily aims to explore de-addiction centric caregiver's experiences and challenges. Methodology A qualitative study design with a phenomenological research method was adopted. An in-depth semi-structured interview was conducted from June to August 2023 in Hindi and English at the de-addiction centers where caregivers were employed. Interviews were audio recorded for further analysis. Results The interview results were thematically analyzed. Out of 12 Caregivers interviewed, eight were males and four were females, each representing various professions such as administrators, nursing staff, counsellors and helpers. Some of the emerging themes in our study are caregivers' perspective, the Burden among caregivers, and the emotional aspect. The findings indicated that five caregivers had previously treated alcohol dependents and family members of alcohol dependents, with a major part of caregivers expressing job satisfaction and finding fulfillment in helping patients overcome addiction, which brought them a sense of fulfillment in their lives. Other findings include two caregivers who faced financial challenges and often received insufficient salaries due to inadequate funding. Extended working hours, driven by patient needs, resulted in sleep deprivation, potentially causing physical health issues and emotional exhaustion among caregivers. Also, caregivers were frequently held in high esteem by the family members of patients and the family members of caregivers for providing unwavering support and encouragement. Conclusion Acknowledging the vital contributions of caregivers is pivotal for their well-being. It is a shared responsibility within the community to provide caregivers with emotional support, recognition, appreciation, and employer support. These gestures can make a substantial difference in the lives of caregivers and enhance the quality of care they offer to patients.