The Perception of Family Functioning among Addicts and their Codependents

Abstract

Addiction affects family functioning; patient and family often differ on perceptions of
familial dynamics and dysfunctions. Thirty Indian male patients undergoing a rehabilita-
tion programme for Substance Use Disorders (SUD) in Kripa Foundation, Mumbai and
their significant others (SO) family member were administered the Family Assessment
Device. The difference in perception between patient and family member on the ‘Roles’
subscale was statistically significant and the difference on ‘General Family Function-
ing’ subscale approached significance. The mean scores on the subscales (except for
‘Problem Solving’ and ‘Affective Involvement’) were indicative of problems that need to
be addressed in patient recovery and reintegration into families.