Problems Facing Families with Substance Abusers: A Review Study

Abstract Background and objectives: Given its progressive nature in all life aspects, drug abuse threatens the health of individuals, families, and society and causes some economic, political and human damages to each society. In this regard, family is the first variable exposed to such a threat. Accordingly, the present study was to review the problems facing families of substance abusers. Methods: In this study, the Scopus, Medline, SID, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases were surfed using keywords such as problems, substance abuse, addiction, family during 2000 to 2017. Finally, 30 full-text articles were selected. Results: Studies have revealed that drug-related disorders affect the family system and members and bring family members different problems, including psychosocial, economic, physical, family and educational problems. These studies reported the psychological problems of family members as the most frequent one. Conclusion: The present study indicated that family members with substance abusers face different problems in different aspects of their life; therefore, the need to expand prevention and treatment programs for such persons seems to be urgent.