Changes in Family Burden and Functioning After a Structured Psychoeducation Program in Addiction Rehabilitation: A...

Research addressing the challenges faced by families affected by addiction remains limited, and family-related treatment needs are often insufficiently emphasized in clinical practice. Even when families are included in treatment processes, the primary focus typically remains on individuals with substance use disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of psychoeducation and counseling services provided to families in an addiction rehabilitation center on perceived family burden and family functioning. First-degree relatives of patients receiving follow-up care at an addiction rehabilitation center were included. The psychoeducation program consisted of an average of 12 sessions and was based on a structured family-oriented psychoeducation module widely used in Türkiye. Participants completed a Sociodemographic Data Form, the Burden Assessment Scale, and the Family Assessment Device before and after the intervention. Pre- and post-test scores were statistically compared. A total of 63 family members participated in the study, 81% of whom were women. Significant reductions were observed in perceived burden domains, including daily life restriction, concern for the patient, caregiver losses, impairment in activities, and occupational functioning (all p<0.001). Significant improvements were also found across all Family Assessment Device subscales, including problem solving, communication, roles, affective responsiveness, affective involvement, behavior control, and overall functioning (all p<0.001). Psychoeducation and counseling interventions provided to family members were associated with significant improvements in perceived burden and family functioning. These findings support the conceptualization of addiction as a family-related condition and highlight the importance of strengthening structured, family-oriented interventions within addiction treatment services.