Exploring Family Members’ Beliefs and Experiences of Supporting Relatives with Substance Use and Misuse within Black Communities
Abstract
Background: Canada has become a home to a rapidly growing Black population, yet the escalating issue of psychoactive substance use and misuse within these communities in Canada presents a significant public health concern. Previous studies on substance misuse in Black communities often focused on individuals directly impacted by substance misuse, failing to capture family members’ experiences and perspectives of supporting individuals with substance misuse.
Aims: This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of Black family members in Canada who support relatives with psychoactive substance misuse, as well as investigate their perspectives on available supportive resources within Black communities.
Methods: Focused ethnography guided the study, using purposive sampling to recruit 26 participants in Southern Ontario. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, and Leininger's four phases of ethnonursing qualitative data analysis were employed for primary data analysis.
Findings: The overall findings highlighted a persistent and significant problem in Black communities. Participants’ cultural norms appeared to endorse moderate use of substances among older adult men during special occasions but disapproved of such use among women and young individuals. It noted that negative consequences such as school dropout, legal issues, and stigma were associated with substance misuse. Families often concealed relatives' substance use due to shame and culturally embarrassment, leading to barriers in seeking help. The study revealed a lack of culturally relevant resources, prompting some to seek help in their home countries.
Implications: Implications for healthcare providers, especially nurses and addiction counsellors, are crucial in understanding the gender impact within Black communities, addressing the stigma associated with family members of those with substance misuse, and recognizing the importance of culturally supportive community resources, including implementation of community outreach and peer support programs to empower recovery.
Conclusions: This study revealed a persistent issue of psychoactive substance misuse, resulting in various consequences. Families often concealed substance misuse, creating barriers to seek help, with some resorting to seeking assistance from their home countries. The findings underscore the urgent need for culturally supportive resources in Canada to comprehensively address the issue of psychoactive substances and emphasize the importance of timely access to culturally relevant resources.