In my master's thesis, I consider the participation of relatives in the recovery process of people who are addicted to drugs. The research is based on the findings of employees of the Project Human Association programs, that the relatives of users who are involved in addiction treatment processes in the programs of the Project Human Association are often overburdened, exhausted, and can cope with excessive anxiety, stress and many changes in several areas of life. Through my research, I wanted to pay attention to them as well and discover what their role is in the process of treating their loved ones and what their experiences are. With my master's thesis, I decided to illuminate and emphasize the hardships these families face, as well as the role of family members. In this way, I want to contribute in ensuring tha experts and various service providers give them more attention and help. I researched: 1) What is the relative’s day to day life like when their addicted close ones are enrolled in the programs of the Project Human Association ?; 2) What are the wishes and the needs of these relatives during the time when their close ones are enrolled in the program of the Project Human Association ?; 3) What kind of support do the relatives receive from the employees of the Project Human Association and is this help consistent with their needs and wishes?; 4) Are the relatives satisfied with the help received and what are their expectations regarding the help provided by the Human Project Association ? Based on interviews with relatives, I formulated a tentative theory in which I explained how relatives cope with hardships and what additional services they would need. Unpleasant feelings prevail - shame, fear, anxiety, helplessness, guilt are present to a large extent. Within the Project Human programs relatives get empowered in groups for relatives, single-family meetings, and training. Outside of the Human Project Association, they most often empower themselves by being in contact with nature and animals and through other relationships such as friendships. Work colleagues are also important to them. Many of them use spirituality. Among the most important findings is that the relatives would need the most help in the form of individual psychotherapy, crisis accommodation for their addicted close ones in emergency cases, and the establishment of a crisis telephone line. They want even greater cooperation and support even after their relative's program has ended (e.g., the possibility of independent living with support).
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