The impact of stigma on family and friends bereaved by a drug overdose death
| Author(s) | Stout, Joshua H. | |
| Date Accessioned | 2023-01-25T17:28:10Z | |
| Date Available | 2023-01-25T17:28:10Z | |
| Publication Date | 2022 | |
| SWORD Update | 2022-09-21T16:08:29Z | |
| Abstract | As the opioid epidemic has crashed through the American landscape, the immense loss of life has drawn attention to a host of issues related to the causes and consequences of this epidemic. However, limited focus has been given to those in mourning following the loss of a loved one to a fatal overdose. This study explores how stigma impacts the mourning and help-seeking of those bereaved by a drug overdose death. To explore this issue, thirty-five in-depth interviews were conducted with friends, family members, and partners of those who lost a loved one to an overdose. Qualitative analysis of survivors’ accounts reveals varying degrees of stigmatization that differs in terms of context. At the institutional level, survivors recalled experiencing stigma in the denial of treatment prior to their loved one’s death. Survivors also describe mistreatment by law enforcement. Most reported were stigmatizing experiences of alienation, blame, and isolation by family and friends. Perhaps most important are survivors’ accounts of help-seeking. Participation in drug death specific help-seeking (12-Step Fellowship and secular recovery support groups) is described as cultivating safe spaces that foster community and belonging. Survivors who serve in advocacy leadership roles and other support group roles describe a process of negotiating stigmatized bereavement through positive agentic experiences (e.g., acceptance through helping others). Other survivors who are less active in help-seeking activities describe varying degrees of unspoiling identity (e.g., support to share honestly about their loved one’s drug overdose death). The implications of these findings highlight both the importance of expanding access to survivor support groups in marginalized communities most impacted by the opioid epidemic and addressing their stigmatized grief. | |
| Advisor | Fleury-Steiner, Benjamin D. | |
| Degree | Ph.D. | |
| Department | University of Delaware, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.58088/aqbt-av32 | |
| Unique Identifier | 1365390030 | |
| URL | https://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/32150 | |
| Language | en | |
| Publisher | University of Delaware | |
| URI | https://login.udel.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/impact-stigma-on-family-friends-bereaved-drug/docview/2717708499/se-2?accountid=10457 | |
| Keywords | Bereavement | |
| Keywords | Drug related deaths | |
| Keywords | Grief | |
| Keywords | Mourning | |
| Keywords | Opioid epidemic | |
| Keywords | Stigma | |
| Title | The impact of stigma on family and friends bereaved by a drug overdose death | |
| Type | Thesis |