Background Research on the perspectives of various family members of people who use methamphetamine is limited. We draw from Family Systems Theory to examine how families navigate these relationships.

Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Australia with 19 participants identifying as parents (n = 9), siblings (n = 5), partners (n = 4), and/or friends (n = 3) of a person who uses methamphetamine (i.e. ‘their person’).

Results We identified five themes describing how family members interacted with their person. Family members initially perceived methamphetamine use and related ‘unpredictable’ behaviors as contravening family norms, with subsequent responses varying by family role. Mothers attempted to ‘fix’ the situation, partners lamented the lack of open communication, and siblings expressed conflicting emotions, including resentment, compassion, and frustration. Experiencing stigma associated with their person’s methamphetamine use contributed to social isolation for family members. Professional support alleviated some of this stigma and encouraged the development of new norms and interaction patterns within the family, enhancing family well-being and relationship quality.

Conclusion Family members navigate their relationships with someone using methamphetamine in different ways, depending on their family role. Developing a better understanding of these complex family dynamics can guide drug treatment provision and emphasize the importance of offering professional support to family members.