Childhood experiences of individuals who have been raised parents with substance abuse

This study aims to examine the childhood problems experienced by individuals whose parents are substance abusers/addicts, using an ecological systems approach. The research was designed using the phenomenological approach of qualitative design. In this context, a semi-structured interview form was used in in-depth interviews and data were conducted from 16 subjects. All subjects parents are service user of the Ankara İl Sağlık Müdürlüğü Ankara Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi AMATEM Semt Polikliniği. The data were analyzed by using the MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2020 software with tematic analysis. The analysis revealed that growing up with a substance-addict parent has a negative impact on the family life and relationships within the family, as well as their relationships with their social and school environments. The study concluded that individuals brought up by substance-addicted parents experienced poor family communication; witnesses or were victims of domestic violence; increase parental substance use in situations requiring adjustment; parental responsibilities shift to children, parentification; and experienced increased stress. It is recommended that all interventions in the treatment of substance dependency consider the family system, as focusing solely on the individual with the addiction may overlook the impact on the family. Therefore, it is recommended that families receive support from professionals who spedialise in this field.