Feelings of families regarding drug dependence: in the light of comprehensive sociology

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the feelings of families before drug dependence. Method: exploratory, analytical and qualitative study carried out with families of drug users, which are followed up by the Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Drogas (Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and DARUGS). The collection of data took place by in-depth interview, with the support of field diary. Three visits were done, on average, for each family. The software IRAMUTEQ was adopted for textual corpus organization and was discussed in the light of Michel Maffesoli. Results: nine families participated in the research; from the analysis, four classes arose: “My life has changed a lot because of drugs”; “I fear leaving him alone”; “I trust and have faith in God”, and “I am always worried in my own house”. Final considerations: the families revealed how much drug dependence did not only affect the user, but also the whole family, provoking in the family complex feelings and emotions.