“I can’t live like that”: the experience of caregiver stress of caring for a relative with substance use disorder

Abstract Background The impact of addiction extends beyond the individual using a substance. Caring for an with creates persistent stressful circumstances that cause worry, anger, depression, shame, guilt, anxiety, and behavioral problems within family unit. aim study paper aims to explore experiences caring relative substance use disorder (SUD) self-care strategies caregivers employ. Methods adopted exploratory qualitative design. To be included in study, participants were required have not actively themselves. Individual interviews conducted gather their experiences, meanings, how they made sense SUD. Results Twenty one involved which 17 women, four men there had sister, brother, eight parent, six dependent, participant grandparent Four themes, whose overarching focus is pains living SUD, caused mitigated these Conclusion stress associated individuals SUD impacts caregiver’s physical mental health. Specific care modalities targeting need developed address health support self-care.