Perception of family support in dependents of alcohol and others drugs: relationship with mental disorders

Abstract

The present article aimed to analyze the relationships between perception of family support, levels of depression, anxiety and hopelessness in alcohol or drug dependent patients (AOD). Participated of this study 97 patients under treatment, aged between 18 and 58 years, of both genders from six private institutions for treatment of drug dependency, located in Santos - SP/Brazil. Participants responded to the Inventory of Perceived Family Support-IPSF, the Beck Depression Inventory-BDI, Beck Anxiety Inventory-BAI, Hopelessness Scale - BHS and Criteria for substance abuse or dependence at DSM-IV TR. Results indicated negative correlations between perceived family support and levels of depression, anxiety and hopelessness. Moreover, family support proved to be a conditional variable for levels of anxiety and depression. These results indicated that the perception of family support may be an important social support for the patient with AOD.