Family functioning of recovered alcohol-addicted patients: a comparative study

Regaining the communication, concentration on role conflicts and strengthening of emotional ties are the central issues of socio-therapeutic approach to alcoholism. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to compare family functioning between two groups of recovered alcohol-addicted patients. They were all participants of treatment program where complex therapeutic interventions were used, and were abstaining for at least 1 year. A total of 30 patients with a spouse or partner participating in the treatment were compared to 20 patients without spouse or partner participation. In order to show a different perspective on family strengths and weaknesses, we used a multidimensional questionnaire of family functioning, Family Assessment Measure (FAM). A significant difference in family functioning between both groups was found. Family functioning difficulties in two dimensions: control and affective involvement, were found in families without spouse or partner participation in the treatment. Even after years of abstinence, family functioning was not satisfactory in these families.