Ways of coping with excessive drug use in the family: A provisional typology based on the accounts of 50 close relatives

Authors: Orford, J., Rigby, K., Miller, T., Tod, A., Bennett, G. and Velleman, R.

Journal: Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology

Volume: 2

Issue: 3

Pages: 163-183

eISSN: 1099-1298

ISSN: 1052-9284

DOI: 10.1002/casp.2450020302

Abstract:

This paper outlines an eight‐fold typology of coping actions based upon a qualitative analysis of the accounts provided by 50 close relatives of people with drug problems. In a number of different ways relatives draw attention to the contrasts between these distinguishable ways of coping. Emphasis is placed upon the provisional nature of this typology and upon the compromises between, and combinations of, ways of coping that are often used by relatives in practice. Different ways of coping represent alternative choices for relatives, often explicitly expressed by them as difficult dilemmas. Links are suggested between the ways of coping identified here and those discussed in the literature on coping with other disorders and disabilities in the family, with ways of coping described in the general literature on coping with stress, and with types of social action appearing in general models of interpersonal behaviour. Implications for counselling close relatives of people with drug problems are also outlined. Copyright © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Source: Scopus