Angehörige Suchtkranker: Prävalenz, Gesundheitsverhalten und Depressivität

Background: International studies have revealed elevated health-related morbidity in relatives of individuals with addictive disorders. Aim of the present study is to estimate the prevalence of the problem and the level of impairment in relatives of individuals with addiction disorders not engaged in the addiction treatment system in Germany. Methods: As a part of a health screening, patients aged 18-64 yrs. From general practices and general hospitals (N = 2,273) were asked if they had a relative with a present or remitted addictive disorder (tobacco use disorder excluded). Relationship status and type of addiction were specifi ed. In addition, depressive mood and health behaviour of patients were assessed. Patients without addicted relative were compared to patients with current or remitted addicted relatives, respectively. Results: In the whole sample, 12.7 % (95 CI 11.4-14.0) of all respondents mentioned to have a relative with a present addictive disorder and another 6.5 % (95 % CI 5.6-7.4) reported to have a relative with a remitted addictive disorder. Prevalence rates were signifi cantly elevated in general hospital patients. When controlling for sociodemographic variables and health-related behaviours, relatives revealed elevated depression scores compared to controls. Conclusions: Relatives of individuals with addictive disorders are a vulnerable population and highly prevalent among patients in primary care. Evidence-based treatment options exist and might help to reduce strain in this group.