Background:It seems that the family of heroin addicts carry certain characteristics which constitute the base for the indulgence in psychosocial deterioration . Objectives : To clarify the elements constituting family structure and family function in heroin addicts and to compare it with that of non addict group . Methodology : A sample of 80 heroin dependents diagnosed according to DSM IV TR was studied and compared to a control (non addict) group composed of 20 persons . Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire.Results:parental separation/divorce was higher in the group of addicts compared to control group. Comparing the main caring person among the two groups revealed the following : father (11.3% : 0%), mother (8.8% : 35%), both parents (33.8% : 60%), Addicts were moved to grandparents in 6.3% of cases (0% in non addicts), to other relatives in 11.3% of cases (0% in non addicts), and to others (non relatives) in 7.5% of cases (5% in non addicts), which reflects the unstability and change of caring persons for addict . Positive family history for substance abuse was higher in the group of addicts compared to non addicts. Negative feelings towards father and mother were more predominant in heroin addicts' group and also perception of negative attitude from parents.Conclusion:The family of heroin addict involves a lot of deformities and dysfunctions which need to be considered and highlighted in all therapeutic programs designed for such patients .
Objective:The primary aim of this study was to compare family structures and functions in male patients dependent on heroin and normal controls. Method:Eighty patients and 20 controls were recruited from inpatient units at 2 teaching hospitals in Mansoura, Egypt. A predesigned questionnaire was administered to assess family functioning (self-reports), and the DSM IV clinical criteria were used to assess psychopathology. Results:A wide range of family dysfunctions was reported by these patients: parental separation/divorce was higher in the group of dependents compared with the control group (18.8% vs. 10%), having a step mother (31.3% vs. 15%), the main caring person in the family was father (11.3% vs. 0%), mother (8.8% vs. 35%), or both parents (33.8% vs. 60%). Positive family history for substance abuse was significantly higher among heroin users (siblings 12.5% vs. 5%; father 6.3% vs. 5%; mother 3.8% vs. 0%; both parents 15% vs. 5%). Negative feelings toward parents were common in heroin users. In addition, perceptions of a negative attitude from parents were also higher. Moreover, aggressive response as a result of unacceptable behaviors was higher among heroin users: verbal aggression (12.5 vs. 0%), physical aggression (16.3% vs. 0%). Furthermore, religious affiliation was more likely to be less in heroin users' families as 61.3% compared with 85% of nonusers' families with marginally significant differences. Conclusion:The results of this study indicate that family dysfunctions are common in this group of patients. This will need to be considered in the treatment of this group of patients.
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