Perception of the family regarding the treatment of drug users

integrative review

Abstract

Objective: to carry out an integrative review of national literature regarding the treatment of users of alcohol and other drugs from the perspective of their family members. Method: an integrative review of the national literature was performed in the Virtual Health Library, and Portal of Periodicals of the Coordination of Improvement of Higher Level Personnel portals, Web of Science, The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PsycINFO databases. After analysis of the studies retrieved, 21 studies were selected. Results: the literature showed that outpatient services were recognized by family members as important for improving family relationships and the health conditions of the drug user. They also felt it was important to include the family members in the treatment to help drug users. However, studies demonstrated the difficulties of these services to fulfill the present requirements, barriers to treatment access, and lack of knowledge regarding these services, contributing to them seeking internments, including compulsory ones. Conclusion: it is necessary to expand the outpatient services and provide support for the family members of drug users.