The role of dynamic inter-family characteristics in drug addiction

KALIA NIKOLAOU¹, MARIA SMIRNAKI²

1. Psychologist, MSc “Criminal Law & Addictions”, Postal Address: Makariou C 12, Ipsonas, Limassol, Cyprus, Post Code: 4187, Tel: 6948170448, +357 99762649. Email: kalianikolaou2@gmail.com
2. Psychologist, Doctor of the Department of Primary Education of the University of Crete, Head of Open Support Structure of KETHEA ARIADNI

Postal Address: 12, Apolodorou Street, Agios Ioannis Knossos, Heraklion, Crete

Post Code: 71409, Tel: 6958450389, 2811102525, Email: marsmyrn@hotmail.com smirnaki@kethea-ariadni.gr

Abstract

In the context of this quality study, the relationships between addicts and parents were studied from adolescence to adulthood, including the periods of substance abuse and treatment. The aim was the identification of problematic communication features in this relationship which contribute to the initiation and maintenance of dependence. The survey was carried out with the participation of members of the Social Unit of Rehabilitation Center “Ianos” which belongs to the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki. In this study, fourteen semi-structured interviews have been received by addicted men aged 30 to 45 years old. The findings of research highlight a dysfunctional dyadic interaction between parents which affects negatively the parental practices, the subsequent psychological and emotional development of the child and his direction towards the addiction. The survey found that the majority of these families occur features of rigidness, coexistence and overwhelming. However, the addict due to chronic social and psycho-emotional weaknesses seems to hesitate the separation from the family. In conclusion, in the context of treatment, the whole family needs to be reconstituted in order to the addict remains absent.

Key words: Addiction, Family, Communication, Treatment