Grief and Substance Use

A Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Research

Datos Bibliográficos

ID17534642
AutoresCiera Davidson (0009-0003-2557-0579, University of Glasgow), Laura J Mitchell (0009-0002-0846-0696, NHS Ayrshire and Arran), Lynda Russell (0000-0002-7284-0557, University of Glasgow, autor de correspondencia)
Año2026
Fecha de publicación2026-04-13
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaContemporary Drug Problems (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0091-4509 • E-ISSN: 2163-1808
EditorialSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00914509261440128
OpenAlexW7154064257
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas68

People who use substances are disproportionately affected by both death and nondeath losses and have vulnerabilities that can hinder the processing of the associated grief. While there is an established and growing quantitative research base demonstrating the complexities between grief and substance use, the qualitative literature remains fragmented. This study aims to systematically review the grief experiences of people who use substances to enhance understanding and inform service delivery. A systematic search of four electronic databases identified 18 studies, which were quality assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program. A thematic synthesis was conducted which involved line-by-line coding of findings, development of descriptive themes, and generation of analytical themes. This process identified three themes: Locked in Loss and Addiction, Defeated and Defended, and Routes to Recovery. Findings highlight the reinforcing relationship between grief and substance use, identify grief responses relevant to people who use substances, and offer an aggregated insight into their grieving experiences. This has important implications regarding the integration and provision of grief-informed support in clinical practice

Coding (social sciences) · Complicated grief · Critical appraisal · Disenfranchised grief · Grief · Qualitative research · Substance use · Thematic analysis · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Homelessness and Social Issues · Prenatal Substance Exposure Effects