When providing care to these patients, it’s crucial to consider the family environment of each case. This approach will allow nurses identify potential informal caregivers within the family circle who may be struggling with providing such care and the situation of the person living with substance abuse.
From this perspective, it’s essential to highlight the comprehensive evaluation of the family members’ circumstances, recognizing the importance of their access to additional support from social and/or healthcare professionals. Additionally, providing information about relevant resources is crucial for them to effectively manage the situation. It might also be necessary to provide information about mutual support groups, if family members could benefit from such interventions.
A substance user’s family circle is often also impacted by the stigma associated with these disorders, so training in non-judgmental accompaniment techniques and approaches to what they may be experiencing are a top priority in these situations.
Bibliography: ORiordan J, Attenborough J. Substance use 2: how can nurses and midwives support users’ families?: NT. Nurs Times 2023/01// Jan 2023;119(1):23-25.