Relationship of Marital Structure and Interactions to Opiate Abuse Relapse

Abstract

Several aspects of marital functioning were associated with subsequent relapse to opiate abuse in 17 married addicts. The addicts and spouses were evaluated in a task-oriented interview and rated using the Beavers Timberlawn Family Assessment instrument. The global health-pathology ratings on this instrument indicated that most couples had rigid patterns of interacting, rather than a chaotic lack of structure or a flexible, negotiated partnership. Within this range of rigid functioning, higher ratings were associated with longer times drug-free (up to 18 months with a mean of 7 months). On the seven subscales of the Beavers', five were significantly correlated with the time drug-free: effective and clear leadership, closeness between the spouses, a nonhostile mood, empathy, and efficient negotiation and problem solving. The subscales associated with drug abstinence were quite different for a group of seven single ex-addicts participating in the same outpatient program, but living with their parents. For these single ex-addicts three subscales were correlated with the time drug-free: parental reaction to separation strivings, the open expression of thoughts and feelings, and empathy. This difference in the subscales associated with abstinence for married versus single addicts suggested some specificity in the characteristics of family structure and interaction that may be related to drug abstinence.

Characteristics, retention and readmissions of opioid‐dependent clients treated with oral naltrexone

“…A possible explanation suggested is that the quality and stability of interpersonal relationships, rather than the presence of a partner, may be more influential for client retention [13].…”

Social Bonding Decreases the Rewarding Properties of Amphetamine through a Dopamine D1 Receptor-Mediated Mechanism

“…The presence of strong social bonds in adulthood may decrease the vulnerability to drug abuse (Kosten et al, 1987). However, the neural mechanisms underlying this behavioral phenomenon are relatively unknown—perhaps due to the lack of an appropriate animal model.…”

“…For example, strong adolescent-parent attachments have been associated with decreased odds of substance use problems (Ellickson et al, 1999; Bell et al, 2000). Additionally, in individuals who are already addicted, close relationships between spouses aid in recovery from drug addiction (Kosten et al, 1987). In contrast, weak social attachments may increase substance abuse vulnerability as insecure adult attachment styles are positively associated with alcohol and illicit substance abuse (Brennan and Shaver, 1995; Vungkhanching et al, 2004; Caspers et al, 2005).…”

Salubrious effects of oxytocin on social stress-induced deficits

“…For example, the occurrence of depression is significantly lowered in previously single men and women that marry for the first-time (Marks and Lambert, 1998). Substance abuse and the risk of relapse is markedly lower in individuals in committed, stable relationships in humans (Kosten et al, 1987). One reason social relationships and affiliative interactions may improve mental health is by reducing the HPA axis activity and psychological distress that is associated with a stressful life event or condition.…”