Crafting narratives of hardships: Living with adolescents who misuse substances

Adolescents’ substance misuse presents significant challenges to the well-being of their families. Families are expected to support adolescents who are misusing substances while continuing to cope with everyday life. Additionally, families continue to endure the negative effects of prejudice and stigmatisation while supporting adolescents who misuse substances. This study aimed to provide insight into the narrative hardships of living with adolescents who misuse substances. The study aims to gain insight into the impact of living with adolescents who misuse substances. Qualitative research was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon under study using the family systems theory as the point of departure. Data was collected from 10 parents of adolescents who misuse substances and analysed using thematic analysis. The two themes that emerged from the interviews conducted were the impact of having adolescents who misuse substances in the family and strategies for effectively managing life with adolescents who misuse substances. The study suggests that the relationship between adolescent substance misuse and families is bidirectional and thus, adolescent substance misuse may lead to strained relationships and also negatively impact the wellness of families. The findings from this study may be used to develop ongoing strategies to support and encourage personal health, mindfulness and wellness for families.