A Comparative Study of Family Structure (Cohesion and Flexibility) and Functioning in People with and without Drug Abuse

 Drugs are one of the main health problems in any country and are responsible for the spread of some infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to compare family structure (cohesion and flexibility) and functioning among people with and without drug abuse.

 This causal-comparative study was performed on 100 people with drug abuse (using Morgan table) purposefully selected from 15 regions of Isfahan, Iran. In order to sample the population of healthy individuals, 100 persons without a history of substance abuse were selected as an available sample from among the companions of individuals with substance abuse and were matched with the substance abuse community in terms of their age. The data gathering tools used included a demographic characteristics form, and the Family Assessment Device (FAD) and Family ‎Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES-III‎).

 The results showed that people with drug abuse have lower family cohesion, flexibility, and functioning compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.001).

 It can be concluded that family functioning differed between the two study groups, so it can be stated that family functioning plays a role in youth's inclination toward drugs.