Bereavement and Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

In the present chapter, we focused on the relationship between bereavement and addiction, specifically among those patients who have a diagnosis of substance use disorder. Although bereavement research has advanced greatly in recent years, there are few studies on bereavement among the drug-dependent population. The substance use disorder population often report life stories marked by painful experiences and loss. Different studies have remarked on the relationship between bereavement and substance use. Highlighting the possible relationship between the loss of a significant person and a substance use disorder could help to build a theoretical background as well as to improve the dishabituation treatment in addiction centers.

Two Cases of Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder Diagnosed in the Acute Inpatient Unit

“…PCBD is also significantly associated with substance use disorders (SUD) [17]. Both of our patients presented with SUD.…”

“…Hamden et al [19] showed that bereaved youth are at increased risk of substance use compared to nonbereaved controls mainly due to their poor functional status postbereavement. For patients who experience significant loss early in life like patient XY, early disruption in care may alter their response to later life stressors therefore predisposing them to substance use [17]. Individuals with cooccurring MDD, PTSD, and anxiety disorders with SUD have worse treatment outcomes for SUD and are more likely to relapse [20].…”