International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being · Available online 27 Mar 2026 · In press · DOI 10.1080/17482631.2026.2650824
Purpose Drug-related death is a serious public health issue affecting many bereaved families. Drug-related deaths are defined as fatalities resulting directly from the consumption of narcotics, where the cause is violence, accidents, or other health disorders associated with drug use. Individuals bereaved by drug-related death represent a vulnerable group who may experience grief, shame, stigma, and a lack of support from society. Methods This article draws on a focus group study involving 29 helpers, examining their narratives about helpful support for individuals bereaved by drug-related death. Results The study highlights four key themes describing helpful support: the accessible helper, the empathetic, acknowledging helper, the caring, present helper, and the self-caring helper. Discussion Helpers emphasise the importance of being accessible and responsive, yet they face significant barriers in reaching bereaved individuals, often stemming from stigma and a lack of recognition of their needs. They underscore the value of compassionate engagement and the need for peer support to navigate their roles effectively and prevent burnout. Despite their awareness of these factors, the current support guidelines are not adequately integrated into municipal services, indicating a crucial need for further research and improvements.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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