Acompañamiento Familiar en personas con adicciones a sustancias psicoactivas.

Abstract

In the midst of an issue as complex as psychoactive substance use, the family often becomes the only possible refuge. Despite the strain, uncertainty, and pain that this reality generates, it is also at home where the first signs of recovery can emerge. Under this premise, the present research aimed to analyze family support for people with addictions at the “Un Nuevo Amanecer” Foundation, located in the canton of Quero, province of Tungurahua. The methodology was based on a qualitative approach, with the entire population, 25 families of users in treatment, and three professionals from the institution. Two semi-structured interviews, validated by expert judgment, were administered, one aimed at families with ten questions and the other at professionals with five questions, to gather experiences, perceptions, and strategies. The findings reveal that family support directly influences the recovery process, but also identified difficulties such as the emotional overload of caregivers, misinformation about addiction, social isolation, and the feminization of care. Despite this, significant efforts by family members to maintain hope were identified, and families demonstrated commitment and willingness to provide support. It is concluded that family support is essential but needs to be strengthened through emotional support, education for families, and joint work. This research offers relevant contributions to improve intervention in this context, placing the family as a key actor in the therapeutic process.