Abstract: (21 Views)
Objective: The present study was conducted with the aim of gaining an in-depth understanding of women’s lived experiences in confronting their husbands’ addiction. Method: This study was a qualitative and employed descriptive phenomenological and conducted through semi-structured interviews. The Kalak-e Now neighborhood of Karaj was selected as the field of study due to its specific social and geographical characteristics. The study sample consisted of women whose husbands had been dependent on substances for at least two years. Sampling was carried out purposively using the snowball technique, and a total of 8 women participated in the study until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological analysis method, including horizonalization, extraction of meaning units, and description of themes. To enhance the credibility of the findings, peer debriefing and member checking strategies were employed. Findings: Women’s lived experiences of living with an addicted husband were categorized into three main categories: 1) reasons and motivations for husbands’ addiction, 2) social reactions, and 3) effects and consequences of addiction. The findings indicated that addiction, in addition to reasons such as affection deprivation and psychological pressures, leads to extensive consequences for women, including psychological, emotional, social, and economic harms. Furthermore, women often assume a supportive role when confronting their husbands’ addiction, however, this role is influenced by social stigma and psychological pressures. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicated that husbands’ addiction not only disrupts family functioning but also exposes women to compounded psychological, social, and economic pressures. These results highlight the necessity of designing and implementing supportive and empowerment programs for women in order to reduce the destructive consequences of addiction and maintain family health.
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