The Impact of Family Cohesion on Social Isolation in Patients with Substance Use Disorders: A Correlational Study

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between family cohesion and social isolation among individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). It further explored how differing levels of family integration influence perceived social connectedness.

Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional, correlational design was employed, involving 300 patients with SUDs from Iman Hassen Al-Mujtabe Hospital. Convenience sampling was used. Family cohesion and social isolation were assessed using Arabic-translated versions of the Family Environment Scale (FES) and the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, respectively. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected via self-report questionnaires. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and independent samples t-tests to compare isolation levels based on family background.

Findings: The sample was predominantly male (95.3%) with a mean age of approximately 32 years. Most participants (83.3%) reported insufficient income. Captagon (30%) and alcohol (26.7%) were the most frequently abused substances. A significant proportion (80%) experienced severe social isolation, while 83.3% reported moderate family disintegration. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a moderate, positive correlation between family disintegration and social isolation (r = 0.488, p < 0.001). Participants from disintegrated family backgrounds reported significantly higher levels of social isolation than those from cohesive families (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Family disintegration significantly contributes to elevated levels of social isolation among individuals with SUDs. Addressing family cohesion within treatment protocols may improve social functioning and recovery outcomes. Interventions focusing on family dynamics should be integrated into comprehensive addiction treatment strategies.