Abstract 3
Research proposition .. 4
Research hypothesis. 4
Literature Review..5
Variables. 6
Testing of variables.. 7
References. 8
Abstract
In the recent past, family structures have become complex, shifting from the traditional form of nuclear family to stepfamilies, foster families, single families and multiregional families. As such, whenever a family member engages in activities of abusing drugs, the impact has different effects. Substance abuse contributes to these problems that are experienced in families. This research seeks to discuss the issues that are likely to arise in families where substance abuse is rampant. In achieving this, a comparison will be made with families where substance abuse is not practiced. Such research is essential as it exposes the relationship between substance abuse and family development.
Drug abuse may lead to undesirable behaviors among members of the family. In most cases, substance abuse has diverse results on various family structures. At times, children develop denial systems for the purpose of protecting themselves from the reality. This may force children to behave in a way that is not age-appropriate so as to compensate for the deficiency of parental guidance. Parents with adult children who are addicted to substance abuse may be forced to maintain a dependent relationship, missing the essential ‘launching phase’ in relationships which is necessary for the maturation process.
Research proposition
The main purpose of this study is to determine the impact that substance abuse has on families. Available research shows that families in which family members do not abuse drugs tend to have a stronger relationship between members than families where members abuse drugs. In carrying out this research, focus will be given on the extent to which addiction negatively affects relationships.
Research hypothesis
Substance abuse is a major source of unstable families, leading to family breakups. This is experienced by the poor conditions that members of these families are exposed to.
Literature Review
The debate to whether substance abuse directly affects the type of families is well-documented. Ammerman (2009) argues that families where members are drug addicts are more likely to break up when compared to families where members do not abuse drugs. In arguing for this, he highlights several problems that are brought up by abusing drugs. These problems may include:
Parental inconsistency
In most cases, there is an erratic rule setting. Enforcement of values and morals is inconsistent because of lack of role models to the growing children. The inadequacy of the family structure means delivery of duties and responsibilities is ineffective. Children find it difficult to figure out what is wrong or right for them. This promotes bad behavior because they do not understand the boundaries within which to behave. Parental response becomes unpredictable, meaning the children find it difficult to adjust their behavior accordingly. In most cases, this leads to confusion on the part of children (Ammerman, 2009).
Negativism
This may result from lack of positive communication among family members. Negative communication may take the form of criticism, complaint, displeasure or similar expressions. This is likely to dictate the overall mood in the family to be negative, ignoring any form of positive behavior. Creating a crisis in such families may be the only way of getting attention. Such negativity reinforces substance abuse among the family members.
Unrealistic expectations from parents
Whenever parental expectations are unrealistic, children tend to lack the required motivation to perform their duties. At times, children may decide to overwork themselves to overachieve. Creating the atmosphere that reflects that no matter what one does they will never be god enough is highly discouraged. Substance abuse on the part of parents may lead children to have a poor self-esteem, affecting their personality (Drug Abuse Survey Project, 2002).
Variables in the research
Independent variable
In this research paper, the two types of families (family where members abuse substance and families where members do not abuse substance) will act as the independent variables. As such, they will be used to presume the cause of family breakups. It is expected that the results that will be achieved will give a clear reflection on the impact substance abuse has on family life.
Dependent Variable
The research’s dependent valuable will be the evaluation of the lives that these families lead. This will be achieved by testing the independent variables to give the correct position of the impact substance abuse has on family life.
Testing the influence of the independent variable and the dependent variable
The research hypothesis is that substance abuse has a negative impact in the quality of life families lead. In proving this, the research will analyze several families where substance abuse is common and families where substance abuse is not practiced. After this, the life hey lead will be analyzed in terms of the levels of education, interpersonal relationships, level of self-esteem, family structures and the expectations that parents have over children. These are good indicators on how a family is structured. Organized families tend to concentrate on long term programs such as educating children while families that engage in substance abuse spend much of the money in buying alcohol and other drugs.
References
Ammerman, R. T., Ott, P. J., & Tarter, R. E. (2009). Prevention and societal impact of drug and alcohol abuse. Mahwah, NJ: L. Erlbaum Associates.
Drug Abuse Survey Project., & Ford Foundation. (2002). Dealing with drug abuse: A report to the Ford Foundation. New York: Praeger.
Henderson, H. (2005). Drug abuse. New York: Facts On File.
