Introduction:

The use of drugs causes harm to the family members of users. This study aimed to analyze the perception of codependency and the impacts of drug addiction and the coping strategies of family members of psychoactive substance users.

Method:

Exploratory qualitative study with 16 family members of drug addicts, members of a group from Cruz Azul do Brasil, a non-profit organization that carries out diachronic Christian social work aimed at helping alcohol and other drug addicts, their families, and other affected people directly or indirectly. A semi-structured interview was conducted and analyzed using Content Analysis.

Results:

There was a predominance of women (93.8%), with higher education, and 50% of caregivers were partners. The emotional experiences of family members were associated with self-responsibility, self-criticism, and self-sacrifice. As coping strategies, the Cruz Azul support group, the support network, and spirituality/religiosity were identified.

Discussion:

When experiencing the user’s illness, they risk becoming ill together, whether for a codependency process or for psychosomatic and psychological illnesses.

Conclusion:

Interventions including users’ families and professionals from a multidisciplinary team would be important to promote the health of those involved.

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