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Family burden with substance dependence: a study from India
Surendra Kumar Mattoo1, Naresh Nebhinani, B N Anil Kumar
1Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India. skmattoo@ymail.com
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|May 25, 2013
Summary
Family caregivers of men with alcohol or opioid dependence experience severe burden, particularly in family routine, finances, and interactions. This highlights the critical need for support systems for these caregivers.
Area of Science:
- Addiction research
- Family studies
- Public health
Background:
- Substance dependence in a family member significantly disrupts family life and imposes a substantial burden on caregivers.
- Alcohol and opioid dependence are prevalent issues with far-reaching consequences for family dynamics and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the nature and extent of the burden experienced by family caregivers of men diagnosed with alcohol and/or opioid dependence.
- To identify specific areas of family life most affected by a family member's substance use disorder.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 120 male patients with alcohol and/or opioid dependence and their family caregivers.
- Data collected using the Family Burden Interview Schedule at a de-addiction center in North India.
Main Results:
- Nearly all caregivers (95-100%) reported moderate to severe family burden across all dependence groups.
- Key areas of burden included disruption of family routine, financial strain, altered family interactions, and reduced family leisure.
- Family burden was significantly associated with lower income and rural residence.
Conclusions:
- The findings underscore the pervasive and severe burden faced by family caregivers of individuals with alcohol and opioid dependence.
- There is an urgent need for targeted interventions and support services to alleviate the multifaceted challenges these caregivers encounter.
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