Factors associated with integration of people recovering from alcohol dependence syndrome with their family: An exploratory study

Background: Alcohol is the most commonly consumed psycho-active substance in India. People who use substances and are in recovery often face societal discrimination and rejection, such as difficulty in obtaining employment, poor support for treatment, and inter-personal rejection. Aim: To find out the factors affecting the integration of people recovering from alcohol dependence syndrome with their families. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a purposive sampling technique among 50 pairs of alcohol-dependent people and their family members. Data were collected using self-administered Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES IV package), Substance Abuse Self-Stigma Scale, Affiliate Stigma scale, and A Social Support Inventory for Successful Transition. Appropriate statistical tests were used to identify correlations. Results: A negative correlation (r = -0.313, P < 0.05) was found between affiliate stigma and integration, and a positive correlation (P < 0.05) was found between social support and integration. Alcohol-dependent people from Alcoholics Anonymous reported higher levels of perceived social support than those from a tertiary hospital (mean = 47.68 vs. 39.84, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Affiliate stigma negatively impacts people with alcohol dependence and contributes to increased opportunities for interventions to address stigma. Social support has a positive impact on family integration of alcohol-dependent people with Alcoholics Anonymous participants reporting higher levels of social support compared to tertiary hospital participants. Therefore, the findings of this study highlight the need to involve families more intensively to reduce affiliate stigma.