Lived experiences of women growing up with a drug/alcohol using parent/guardian in Greece" />
Lived experiences of women growing up with a drug/alcohol using parent/guardian in Greece | Anna Tsiboukli
Lived experiences of women growing up with a drug/alcohol using parent/guardian in Greece
Citation:
Sakkopoulou, A., & Tsiboukli, A. (2025). Lived experiences of women growing up with a drug/alcohol using parent/guardian in Greece. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 43(4). Copy at http://www.tinyurl.com/2aj9625o
The present study focuses on lived experiences of women in Greece who grew up with a guardian/parent who used alcohol and/or drugs excessively. The aim of the study was to gain in-depth understanding of how these experiences might have affected the quality of interpersonal relationships in adult life according to women’s reports. Twelve women in Greece, who all grew up with a parent/guardian that used alcohol and/or drugs excessively volunteered to take part in the study. The content of the interviews was analyzed with thematic analysis. This qualitative study revealed the lived experience of adult women who grew up in a familial environment where use of drugs and/or alcohol was excessive on a daily basis. The women reported a number of incidents that in their own understanding affected the quality of interpersonal relationships they have formed as adults. These include, among others, premature development, nurturing parents and forming poor relationships in adult life. Social support from significant others and forming a therapeutic alliance with a mental health professional were suggested by women as significant factors in alleviating traumatic memories. The study suggests that the need for a direct response to children’s needs who grow up with parents/guardians who use alcohol and/or drugs excessively, is significant in helping them develop quality relationships in adult life.
