Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2025

A Procedure to Study Stress-Induced Relapse of Heroin Seeking after Punishment-Imposed Abstinence
Published on: March 23, 2022
Perceived social support and symptoms of prolonged grief after a drug-related death
Monika Alvestad Reime1, Maja O'Connor2, Sigurd William Hystad3
1Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway.
Abstract:
Social network support can be important when adjusting to life after the death of a close family member or friend. However, research has yielded inconclusive results regarding the relationship between social support and complicated grief reactions. Persons bereaved after a drug-related death (DRD) are a group of people who are at high risk of developing bereavement complications. Based on a Norwegian study on DRD bereaved close family members and friends (n = 250), this study examines the association between perceived social support, societal stigma, own social withdrawal, and prolonged grief symptoms (PGS). Own social withdrawal predicts the most variance in PGS symptoms: 8%, perceived social support: 3%, and societal stigma: 1%. Together the three focal variables explain 17.5% of variations in PGS. Results from the study point to the importance of social network support, which could reduce bereavement complications after a DRD.
Related Concept Videos
Bonanno's Theory of Grieving
Resilience
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V
Kubler Ross's Stages of Dying
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from...
Drug Dependence
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...

