Families’ lived experiences of psychological injuries following a woman’s recovery from addiction

This study examined the lived experiences of psychological injuries among families of women who have recovered from addiction. Using a qualitative grounded theory design, participants were purposively recruited in 2023 from a substance abuse counseling center in Tehran. The sample consisted of 15 parents (12 mothers and 3 fathers) aged 48-65 years. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews lasting 60-90 min and guided by open-ended questions. Analysis revealed one core category "Parents' Lived Experience of Their Daughter's Addiction", and two main categories. The first, Initial Positive Family Capacity, encompassed positive intra-family interactions, supportive relationships with relatives, mutual trust, and financial stability. The second, Family Collapse: Internal and External Dimensions, included factors such as denial of the problem, marital conflicts, and the emergence of suicidal and obsessive thoughts. The findings suggest that, although families face significant challenges in restoring stability, resilience can be strengthened by leveraging internal strengths, such as personal abilities, family resources, and public support systems, while avoiding denial and ineffective coping strategies. Neglecting these measures may lead to long-term harm to both family functioning and the wider societal fabric.