Background: Using drugs leads to an increased risk of physical and mental illness. In Sweden, drug use is significantly higher among young people than the rest of the population. In adolescence young people still are developing both mentally and physically. They want to be more independent and make their own decisions. Parents often have a significant role in a youths’ health. They are considered to be a protective factor against drugs.

Aim: The aim of the study was to illuminate parents’ experiences of having a child who uses illegal drugs.

Method: A method to contribute to evidence-based care based on analysis of qualitative research was performed, based on seven qualitative articles.

Results: The analysis resulted in four categories: "unfortunate ignorant", "a broken family", "who will cope, unless I" and "a struggle". The parents suffered as a result of the youth’s behavior. They struggled through some tough times before they finally accepted the situation.

Conclusion: This study revealed that parents need support from both the community and the nurse in order to cope with the situation. Support made the situation easier to deal with and reduced the suffering.