A Qualitative Meta-Analysis of the Children and Adolescents Experiences of Drug Addicts

This study aimed to explore the developmental experiences that influenced drug addiction among substance users. This study conducted a qualitative meta-analysis of 49 cases from 13 domestic research papers published between 2013 and 2024, focusing on addiction and recovery experiences of drug addicts in South Korea. From these cases, 288 summary statements related to developmental experiences were extracted, which were then condensed into 20 descriptive, themes through coding procedures. These descriptive themes were analyzed for comprehensive themes, and core themes, yielding the following key findings. First, 11 descriptive themes emerged regarding childhood experiences of drug addicts. The comprehensive themes identified were 'parental addiction issues,' 'abuse and neglect,' 'attachment trauma,' and 'severe poverty,' with the core theme being 'emotional hunger and deprivation.' Second, 9 descriptive themes were identified concerning adolescent experiences. The comprehensive themes were 'school maladjustment,' 'deviant behavior,' and 'substance use,' with the core theme being 'struggle to fill emotional hunger and deprivation.' Based on these findings, the study discusses practical and policy recommendations for effective prevention and therapeutic intervention in drug addiction.