A qualitative exploration of affected family members' responses to methamphetamine use using the family resilience...

Families affected by a loved one's methamphetamine use experience substantial harm and burden. Pathologising views have been dominant in understanding families' experiences, reinforcing stigma and limiting support provision and access. Using a family-resilience framework, this qualitative study aimed to identify adaptations in response to the stress and strain of supporting a loved one with methamphetamine use.

Recruitment occurred between March-October 2021 across Australia as part of a larger study assessing the feasibility of a program to support families affected by a loved one's methamphetamine use. Twenty-four participants (21 women, 3 men) completed semi-structured phone interviews at baseline. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed, aided by iterative categorisation. A systematic manual of deductive codes guided analysis, with inductive codes integrated as identified in the data. The family-resilience framework informed final theme development.

Participants identified changes to their belief systems guiding how they understood and responded to their loved one's methamphetamine use. Analyses identified four key themes: (1) acceptance and resignation, (2) integrating alternate perspectives to foster compassion for self and others, (3) developing purpose and connection to larger values through spirituality, philanthropy, and/or reconnection with self-identity, and (4) enduring hope and a positive outlook while acknowledging ongoing challenges.

Adaptations in the belief systems of families affected by a loved one's methamphetamine use may facilitate resilience. Treatment design should consider methods that facilitate resilience, such as providing different conceptualisations of addiction to support acceptance and facilitate reconnection with self-identity and personal wellbeing.