Comparing interactions pattern in families with and without substance dependent member and providing appropriate interventionist strategies

From a systemic approach to family therapy, dysfunction of families is attributed to addiction. This study compares functioning of families with and without substance dependent member to identify the pattern of interactions in families with substance member and to provide appropriate treatment strategies. The method of research is ex post facto. The population includes families with drug dependent member located in west and east of Tehran and referred to outpatient treatment centers. Four centers selected randomly. The sample includes 50 persons of referred persons to these centers which satisfied the minimum requirements for reception. Also 50 ordinary persons matched to compare with former group. The participants answered to family assessment device instrument. Data analyzed by Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA). The results show that these two types of families differ significantly in all aspects except their role. Also the results show that families with drug dependent members which the rate of relapse is high and there is a positive history of addiction are more dysfunction. The difference is not significant regarding drug type. The study suggests efficient prevention treatment strategies and appropriate model of treatment according to the characteristics of drug dependent member families.