This paper explores the impact of complicated grief on the family system following the drug-related death of a family member. Drug-related deaths are rife with moral stigmas, and those left behind often carry an emotional burden laden with shame and guilt. 17 bereaved family members were interviewed using semi-structured interviews and transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three core themes were generated: Renegotiation of Relationships; Experiencing Complex Emotions; and Adjusting to a New Reality. The findings demonstrate that this population experience great difficulty in processing their grief as they struggle with family breakdown, navigating supports and stigma.

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Introduction This paper explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care professionals who support clients experiencing addiction. During the pandemic, addiction support became more challenging, as existing health care models had changed or been completely abolished. Clients continued to engage with social, justice, and health services in limited capacities, connecting with general practitioners, key workers, homelessness support workers, and other service providers. This marginalized population was among the most high-risk groups for adverse health outcomes during the pandemic and understanding the associated implications for practitioner well-being is crucial. Methods Fifteen health care professionals who work with active addiction in homelessness, public health, addiction, emergency medicine, and other areas participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Data analyses utilized reflexive thematic analysis. Results Four core themes emerged from the analysis: (i) Shift in Priority, (ii) Being Left Behind, (iii) Managing a Death, and (iv) Anxious Environment. Within each core theme, associated subthemes provide further context. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the well-being of clinicians who work with people who use drugs, fostering a more anxious environment and compounding what can already be a high-stress occupation. Participants exhibited high levels of concern for the well-being of clients, and uncertainty permeated throughout conversations. Furthermore, staff expressed concern for their own well-being in the long term due to the inability to process adverse events, such as a service user's death, due to the chaotic nature of the pandemic. Conclusions This paper highlights some areas of concern to address for future service delivery and presents opportunities to future-proof services as the world moves toward hybrid models of working. The inflexibility of service provision during the pandemic and the digital divide due to public health measures pushed marginalized groups further into the margins, with significant implications for practitioner occupational well-being due to feelings of anxiety, powerlessness, and concern for mortality of clients. This study collects a broad scope of experiences across disciplines in health care and demonstrates how professionals navigated unprecedented circumstances.