Daily life of women with alcoholic companions and the provided care

Abstract

The study aimed to know the daily life of women with alcoholic companions and the provided care. This is a comprehensive-interpretative, qualitative study, guided by the thematic Oral History method. Data collection occurred by semistructured interview. The empirical material was subjected to content analysis under the light of the King’s Theory of Goal Attainment. Women are frustrated and frightened by the alcoholic companion’s behavior and lifestyle, and still feel judged by society. Many abandon their life projects and self-care due to the overload caused by the companion’s absence in the care of home and children. The family care they develop focuses on maintaining the family and protecting from further damage. The study revealed that these women are sick due to the companion’s dependence and, even supporting a type of family care, they cannot control the effects of the alcohol in the family. This reinforces the need for health professionals’ greater bond and involvement, establishing therapeutic projects in which women feel involved and, at the same time, supported.