Characteristics of Brazilian women affected by a substance misusing relative. Issue 3 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lima, Douglas José Resende; Sakiyama, Helena Miyaco Takeyama; Padin, Maria de Fátima Ratto; Canfield, Martha; Bortolon, Cassandra Borges; Mitsuhiro, Sandro Sendin; Ramos Laranjeira, Ronaldo
• Is Part Of: Journal of addictive diseases. Volume 37:Issue 3/4(2018)
• Page Start: 146
• Page End: 150
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: Woman -- affected family members -- substance misusing relatives; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Compulsive behavior -- Periodicals; 362.2905
• DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2019.1637994
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1055-0887

Abstract

Abstract: As in many other health disorders, people who misuse substances tend to be assisted by female caregivers. Despite this, little is known about the characteristics of women affected by a substance misusing relative (SMR). Data from 2541 Brazilian female affected family members (AFM) were analyzed. The majority of participants were mothers, age 45 or above, in a relationship, responsible for the substance use treatment of the SMR, and were related to a male SMR. High levels of physical and psychological symptoms were associated with socioeconomic status, mothers, responsibility for the SMR's treatment, cocaine and crack-cocaine as substance of the preference of the SMR, and financial contraints as reasons for the delay to seeking help. Findings demonstrate the complex social systems associated with female AFMs and the need of gender sensitive approaches to address the AFM's coping responses to the substance misuse problem in the family.