The Struggle of Children from Drug-Abusing Families in Facing Social Exclusion

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the perceptions and reflections on the experiences of children from drug-abusing families in their struggle against social exclusion. The results are based on a qualitative phenomenological analysis of in-depth and face-to-face interviews with 27 informants, including; 12 children from drug-abusing families experiencing social exclusion, 10 parents, 3 neighbors, and 2 shelter professionals. This research resulted in the following themes: 1) parentification as a child's struggle, 2) feelings of sadness and frustration, 3) making peace with a negative stigma and 4) limited professional support. The findings of this study indicate that the experiences of children who have parents who abuse drugs are significantly influential in their lives, whether they live together or separated. Therefore, these children must receive adequate financial and professional support to help them cope with mixed and contradictory emotions and how to deal with the negative stigma that may arise from their surroundings.