Family functioning of out-of-treatment cocaine base paste and cocaine hydrochloride users

Abstract

Knowledge of family structure and behavioral dynamics of out-of-treatment drug users under poverty becomes relevant, because of the role that the family plays in drug use and rehabilitation. Hypotheses: 1. The perception of drug users about their family functioning reveals a dysfunctional organization and communication-connection problems with their families; and 2. the family system of cocaine base paste (CBP) users presents greater dysfunctionality than cocaine hydrochloride (CH) users.

Method: Cross-sectional descriptive design of primary users of CH (n=236) and primary users of CBP (n=231) during the last month, out-of-substance abuse treatment during the last 6 months.

Instruments: Risk Behavior Questionnaire and How-Is-Your-Family Questionnaire.

Results: The total sample presented 72.9% of families with risk functioning; CBP users registered a more deteriorated family structure and communication-connection than CH users.

Conclusions: CBP and CH users, who are hidden from health treatment services, do indeed present a high degree of family dysfunction; and the CBP group, compared to the CH group, presented various indicators of greater risk in their family dysfunction.