Influence of Family Dynamics on the Prevalance of Substance Use Among Emerging Adults in Bhutan

Abstract

In Bhutan rising rates of substance use among emerging adults has become a societal issue. Family structures disintegrating from two parents into single parent families, the increase of blended families and divorces are leading to low emotional connectivity in the parent-child relationship. This study explores these dynamic in substantial depth. Several studies have shown how disrupted families tend to produce youths who are a more likely to indulge in substance use (Jenkins et al., 1998). The findings of this study, obtained through qualitative methods, subscribe to this view and further suggest that a rehab setting can be planned by making the family
a vital tool in the process of recovery. It also illustrates that family structures have a very definite role to play in the development process of an individual. The results attained from this study may therefore act as a reference to future addiction studies in Bhutan.