Analayzing the Challenges of Afghan Immigrant Women with Drug-using Spouses

This study aimed to understand the problems and challenges facing Afghan immigrant women whose spouses are involved in substance use. This study was undertaken using qualitative methodology. The population consisted of women whose spouse was involved in substance use. In present study, 20 women with a drug user spouse were selected according to the purposive sampling method. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. This type of interview is suitable for qualitative research due to its flexibility and depth. The interview started with general and simple questions and moved on to more detailed questions. To increase the trustworthiness of this study, the method of obtaining feedback from participants and having a long relationship with them, as well as data analysis by several people independently was used. Six categories of women’s problems were found from the in-depth interviews. These categories included: "social exclusion" "spouse violence" "double stigma" " poverty combined" " problems of mental health" and" marital burnout". These main themes reflected the needs and challenges of Afghan women who have drug addicted husbands. The result showed that Afghan women who have drug addicted husbands faces numerous challenges and problems in the family and society. And in addition to enhancing empowerment, increasing resilience and social skills as a vulnerable group need professional intervention.