Family members affected by multiple substance misuse relatives

The heterogenic characteristics of affected family members (AFMs) of substance misusing relative (SMR) remain understudied. This study examined the occurrence and correlates of AFMs having more than one relative with substance use problems.

A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study on the characteristics of affected family members in Brazil was performed (N= 3157). Levels of AFM stress, strain, coping and hopefulness were assessed. Factors associated with AFMs having other substance misusing relatives (other-SMRs) were explored using univariate logistic regressions.

The occurrence of having other-SMR was reported by 61.6% of the sample (1945/3157). Of this, 47% (904/1945) reported that the other-SMR was a member of the SMR's immediate family (spouse/partner/children/siblings). The likelihood of having other-SMRs was related to the AFM being female, from a low socioeconomic background, between the age of 35-44 years older, being SMR's mother or wife/girlfriend/fiancée, scoring higher on family member impact, psychological and physical symptoms, withdrawal coping and to have an older SMR.

Information about the characteristics of AFMs is key to understanding how the experience of harm associated with the relative's problem might manifest. Our findings offer information that could be used when developing interventions aimed at reducing the harm experienced by AFMs.