THE INFLUENCE of FAMILY CONFLICTS on the INCLINATION to RELAPSE among ADDICTS in CURE and CARE SERVICE CENTRE, KUALA PILAH, MALAYSIA

Abstract

The debates on how the influence of family conflicts on the inclination to relapse among former drug addicts widely debated particularly international and local setting. In this social psychology study, the author undertook in-depth understanding on how inability of former drug addicts in Cure and Care Service Centre, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan (voluntary recovering clients) controlling family conflict that arises resulted in relapse addiction. A qualitative phenomenological approach was taken to conduct interviews with five former drug addicts Purposive sampling was used and responses were analysed thematically. This issue included the lack of fatherly confidence, burdens in the daily activities, pressure from the father in law, the aggressive trait of an ex-wife, and isolation from siblings. As a relevant implication for this study, there are useful information in term of practice, learners, and educators. In term of implication for the practice, managing conflict among addicts effectively by understanding Thomas and Kilmann’s theory five varying styles of management quite applicable. The implication for educator is they can reduce public's negative perception towards former addicts by infusing and integrating conflict resolution into the school curriculum. Definitely, the implication of the learners is the institutionalizing of practices and principles of conflict resolution, social and emotional learning and inter-group relations into the culture and a policy to minimizing conflict.

Keywords: Family Conflicts, Drug addicts, Interpersonal conflict, Relapse