FAMILY SOCIAL CAPITAL AND ADOLESCENT DRUG ADDICTION: A QUALITATIVE INQUIRY

Family social capital is an important resource for adolescents. In terms of drug use, family can be both a protective and a risk factor. In this study the aim was to investigate family social capital (family structure, family relationships and parental control) among a group of adolescents who received drug addiction treatment in Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Using a qualitative approach, the data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 18 adolescents and 13 parents (caregivers) at home-visits. Findings suggest that, most of the adolescents were lack of parental control and close relationship with parents. Parental need for more information on drugs and their effects was a factor related with inadequate control on the adolescent. Transmission of a strong social norm against drugs from families was also missing. The findings were discussed within the framework of social work practice in developing family social capital among drug addicted youth.