Experiences of Affluent Parents with Drug-Abusing Adolescent Children: A Case of Borrowdale West, Harare

This study examines the lived experiences of affluent parents in Borrowdale West, Harare, whose adolescent children abuse drugs. The research aimed to explore four key aspects: (1) how adolescent drug abuse affects parents’ psychological well-being, (2) its impact on marital and familial relationships, (3) its implications for parents’ societal status, and (4) the coping mechanisms adopted by these parents. A qualitative, phenomenological approach was utilized, employing semi-structured interviews with ten participants selected through snowball sampling. Findings revealed that parents endure significant emotional distress, including guilt, shame, excessive worry, and hopelessness. Marital and familial relationships were often strained, but in some cases, strengthened by shared efforts to tackle the problem. Social perceptions of parents ranged from stigma and judgment to sympathy and understanding. Parents coped using a mix of strategies, such as problem-solving approaches, religious faith, and professional support. Recommendations include the integration of psychiatric nurse support for parents, school-based drug prevention programs, community awareness initiatives to reduce stigma, and further research to examine experiences across diverse socio-economic groups.