“I Don’t Mind Them Drinking, as Long as…”: A Cross-sectional Study to Identify Codependence among Primary Caregivers of Patients with Alcohol Dependence in Urban India

Abstract

Abstract Background: Codependence is a form of relationship addiction, described as a “disease of lost selfhood.” Codependence among primary caregivers adversely impacts treatment outcomes in Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS) patients. Personality traits of the caregiver may also influence codependency and its severity. However, in routine clinical practice, codependence among primary caregivers of alcoholic patients is not assessed and addressed. This study aimed to identify codependence among caregivers of ADS patients and determine its association with personality traits in various subgroups. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a private mental health establishment in urban Karnataka, India, among 125 adult primary caregivers of ADS patients who were spending at least 4 h daily with the patient for more than a year. Spann-Fischer codependence scale and Big Five personality inventory were used to assess codependence and personality domains, respectively. Codependence scores were correlated with Big Five personality scores and examined in various subgroups. Results: Among 125 study participants, 103 (82.4%) were female and 81 (64.8%) were spouse of ADS patients. Moderate and high codependency was found in 86 (68.8%) and 38 (30.4%) participants, respectively. Codependence was found to be significantly higher among females (64.5 ± 7.7) than males (57.6 ± 10.9), (t = −2.8, df = 25.6, P = 0.000), independent of the type of relationship with the patient. There was a significant positive correlation with neuroticism personality trait. Sociocultural and economic conditions of the caregiver also contributed to codependence. Conclusions: The study identified the presence of moderate-to-severe codependence, especially among female caregivers of ADS patients. This emphasizes the need for a protocol to assess codependency and personality traits among caregivers of ADS patients to improve treatment outcomes in urban Indian settings.