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.