Stress and Social Support for Substance Affected Carers in a Toxic Drug Emergency

BackgroundFamily members and other affected carers are essential supports for the wellbeing of people who use drugs who are at risk of an overdose. This study explores the perspectives of affected family carers of loved ones at risk of an overdose or who experienced a past fatal overdose in the Fraser East region of British Columbia (BC). MethodsIn this qualitative study, collaborative thematic analysis of 22 interviews was conducted examining the experiences of family carers of loved ones at risk of death due to drug toxicity. This study was guided by community-based participatory action research (CB-PAR) principles by involving peer researchers at all research stages. ResultsFamily carers experienced tremendous stress while supporting their at-risk loved ones, particularly relating to stress caused by the toxic drug supply. Family carers also encountered substantial stress when navigating healthcare services, engaging with substance use services and finding support in the Fraser East region of BC. Their experiences were marked by traumatic episodes and severe instability, leading to crises such as damaged relationships and overdose incidents of loved ones. ConclusionThe findings of this study offer unique insights into the distinct stressors and support experiences of family carers, with particular focus on the toxic drug crisis and the fragmented nature of both informal social networks and formal support systems. The stress-strain-coping-support (SSCS) model is discussed as a useful framework for describing the needs and experiences of family carers of those at risk of overdose within the context of the toxic drug crisis.