The purpose of this study is to understand a middle-aged heroin addict’s family interaction and his cycle process of drug addicting, drug trafficking, and withdrawal. A narrative approach is adopted and the data from in-depth interviews were collected. Three frameworks, including developmental, gender and Chinese perspectives, are formed to analyze the interview data. The findings are as follows:
(1) Early Adulthood: Out of curiosity, he started using illegal drugs and then became addicted. At this point, internalized social stigma led to self-stigma (negative self-identity).
(2) Midlife: The reasons he took a risk for drug trafficking was two-folded. One was to raise money for drug use; the other was to win recognition as a successful male identity. Self-stigma was hidden during the drug trafficking period.
(3) Near Mature Adulthood: Drug withdrawal took place twice at this period of time. The time he spent behind bars gave him space to trigger self-reflection, which affected drug withdrawal and stopped drug trafficking. The first period of drug withdrawal lasted for 5 years after the release of prison; yet his self-stigma worsened when drug use relapsed. At present, his self-stigma has been turning positive since his second long-term drug withdrawal, although it is still present and ingrained.
The traits of the family interaction are as below: (a) His family members’ suspicion, distrust, and surveillance caused constant conflicts in a vicious circle. (b) Gender issues in the framework of patriarchy were exhibited when his wife’s strong intervention of his drug use was in vain. (c) The whole family saw themselves as one and the social stigma of his drug addiction prevented the family from seeking help. (d) Although the case has stopped using the drug for many years, rebuilding trust is still the major issue for family recovery.
According to the findings, suggestions are made for future researches as well as practical workers in drug addiction intervention.