Family ties of drug abusers.

Abstract

This study examined the family ties of heroin addicts applying for drug treatment. Information was abstracted from the intake applications of 98 consecutive admissions to a methadone maintenance program to determine the extent to which they were connected with family members. Results indicated that the family ties were substantial. Approximately 67% of the addicts lived with a family member, including 26% who lived with a parent; half were born in the local area; 75% claimed to have close relationships with their mothers. Although the study has several limitations, the results imply that drug treatment programs might increase their effectiveness by using a family systems approach.

The Impact of Social Support and Attachment Style on Quality of Life and Readiness to Change in a Sample of Individuals Receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence

“…This is similar to prior research that found several areas of life functioning improvement often within months of entering a medication-assisted program. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] With regards to readiness to change, unexpectedly the majority of participants identified themselves as being in the Precontemplation stage. It is difficult to explain this finding, given that all the participants included in the study were receiving opioid-assisted medication treatment at the time of their participation.…”

“…This is similar to prior research that found several areas of life functioning improvement often within months of entering a medication-assisted program. 3 4 - 12…”

“…Approximately 80-95% have at least weekly contact. [3][4][5] Therefore, it is not surprising that contemporary practice guidelines for substance use disorders recommends an assessment of family/social supports and encouragement of family members and significant others to become involved in treatment. 6 Medication-assisted therapies, e.g., methadone maintenance, provide an opportunity to improve family relationships and increase positive social support.…”

Family treatment of alcohol and drug abuse.

“…Twenty-six of 28 reports on family contacts of drug abusers attest to the fact that they are commonly in close touch with their families of origin or the people that raised them (Cervantes, Sorensen, Wermuth, Fernandez, & Menicucci, 1988;Stanton, 1982, in press). This pattern extends to adult alcoholics, as many male alcoholics are in surprisingly regular contact with a parent-usually the mother.…”