Family members’ experiences: People with comorbid bipolar and substance use disorder

Abstract

People with comorbid bipolar and substance use disorders are complex, whose families experienced challenges contributing significantly to their burden of care. The aim of the study was to explore these lived experiences of family members caring for relatives, as well as the situations or contexts in which they experience these. A qualitative phenomenological research approach with explorative, descriptive research designs was adopted. In-depth phenomenological interviews were done with six purposive selected participants. Phenomenological data analyses focusing on the textural (lived experience) and structural (the context in which it was experienced) were followed after data collection. The lived experiences of participants included feelings of helplessness and emotional and physical exhaustion, as well as the causes of these feelings. The situations contributing to these feelings included non-compliance with prescribed medicine for bipolar disorder combined with drug abuse as well as a threat to the safety of the patient and others, stigmatisation, embarrassment and shame.