Experiences of family members supporting a relative with substance use problems: a qualitative study.

Affected family members experienced wide-ranging harms, which affected their emotional, social and financial well-being, safety and family dynamics, and instilled a persistent sense of fearfulness and hopelessness about the future. The findings have implications for mental health nurses and other clinicians in AOD services to identify AFMs' needs and provide them with timely, accessible and appropriate support to help sustain their important role.