Exploring the biopsychosocial effects of caregivers living with adolescents who abuse drugs

Context: Caregivers are considered to be highly affected by adolescents who abuse drugs. Drug abuse by adolescents, especially in schools, is now a worldwide societal problem, and it has devastating effects on the ability of families and caregivers to function. The study aimed to explore the psychosocial effects of caregivers living with an adolescent who abuses drugs. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by using purposive sampling. Fifteen (15) caregivers were recruited from four purposively chosen Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Audio-recorded interviews were translated, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. The themes identified were related to caregivers’ lived experiences of living with an adolescent who abuses drugs. Results show that the behaviour of these adolescents created an environment that led to feelings of shame and embarrassment, family disintegration, conflicts, communication breakdown, suicidal feelings, and stress-related ailments of these caregivers. Participants experienced personal challenges, which included psychological and emotional effects of fear, stress, pain, and self-blame. Participants also highlighted family disruptions and financial drain as a result of their adolescent behaviour. Conclusion. Participants experienced personal challenges, which included psychological and emotional effects of fear, stress, pain, and self-blame. Participants also highlighted family disruptions and financial drain as a result of their adolescent behaviour. The findings underscore the need for efforts to be directed at the development of formal support interventions for caregivers of adolescents who are affected by this public health scourge.