A Comparison of Family Functionality in Addicted and Non-Addicted Married Men

Purpose:
Today drug-addiction count as a social and psychological issue, which threats the whole community. Drug addiction can affect the entire life of an individual and often lead to abnormal behavior. In addition, additiondisrupts natural performance of an individual in the family, work place and society.  This study aims to reveal the differences between addicted and non-addicted married men in family functionality.
Methods:
The data was collected using questionnaire among 384 married men (192 in each group) in city of Tehran. The sampling method of the addicted individuals were from an available set sample, and the non-addicted individuals were selected by random cluster sampling from the general population who were comparable with the addicted people in terms of demographical characteristics. The utilized measurement tools employed in the assessment of family functionality were based on the McMaster family assessment model. Student T and chi-square tests were used for the statistical analysis purposes.
Results:
The results showed that there is a significant meaningful difference between addicted male and non-addicted in terms of family functionality, problem solving, ability to communicate, role playing, emotional responses, affective involvement and behavioral control. Addicted male exhibited lower scores in all aforementioned variables.
Conclusion:
There are significant meaningful differences between addicted male and non-addicted in terms of: problem solving, ability to communicate, role playing, emotional responses, affective involvement and behavioral control. Therefore, these factors should also be considered in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicted individuals.  In addition, it is essential in behavioral therapy implementation and cognitive therapy sessions for individuals in order to help the person obtaining the skills and training before he could return back to the normal conditions after treatment, hence, experiencing a successful and healthy life style.