Exploring the Burden Faced by Caregivers of Substance Using Loved Ones: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

Caregivers experience burden during care provision to substance users in the family. Burden significantly affects their psychophysiological health. It is however not yet studied among caregivers of substance users in Pakistan. The study thus aims to indigenously understand caregiver's burden. In-depth interviews were conducted with the caregivers of substance users (N = 12; M_age= 36.33), i.e., parents (n = 4), spouse (n = 2), siblings (n = 5), and children (n = 1). The sample was approached through snowball sampling techniques. The data was analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The themes demonstrated the experience of burden for caregivers as psychosomatic strain, disruption in life, emotional burnout, excessive financial expense, and associated stigma, which is also supported by Zarit's model for feelings of burden. The findings highlighted the lived experience of burden for caregivers of substance users. It would help address the caregiver's burden from their perspective and ensure overall well-being. The study thus provides a way forward for the researchers and professionals. The revealed variables could be quantitatively studied by future researchers.