Addiction is still one of the most stigmatized mental health disorders. Prior researches show that parents of children with addiction are also victims of stigma. Parents are perceived as responsible for the onset of child's addiction and are socially alienated. Studies suggest that parents' self-stigma affects child's self-stigma, which leads to their lower self-esteem and motivation for treatment. Addressing the problem of parents’ stigma and self-stigma is therefore not only important for helping them but also for the successful treatment of their child. In my research, I investigated parents' experiences with stigma and self-stigma, the process of self-stigma, and their consequences. I conducted individual semi-structured interviews with eight parents. In the past or at the time of the interview, the participants were included in a support group or their adult child's addiction treatment. Data obtained from interviews were coded and analyzed by using grounded theory method. All parents reported experiences of stigma because of their child's drug use. Stigma came from their family, friends, acquaintances, or medical professionals in form of causing feelings of guilt and shame, showing misunderstanding and negative emotions towards them. Five following themes related to stigma and self-stigma consequences were found; behavioral activation, doubts, low self-esteem, low emotional wellbeing, and indifference. My findings show that parents feel guilty and responsible for their child's drug use. Some parents internalize prejudice and experience high self-stigma. Parents have doubts about themselves and their parental role, even when they are empowered. They use different strategies to minimize stigma such as avoidance, hiding addiction problems in the family, education about addiction, turning to others, and ignoring the stigma. Based on parents' answers I concluded existence of three following important factors for reducing the consequences of stigma and self-stigma in parents; support groups for parents, psychoeducation, and a non-stigmatizing approach from professionals.
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