A Study of Family Burden of Close Caretakers of Drug Addict Patients

Abstract

Drug addiction, in its most form is serve and usually long lasting, causing maximum disability. The burden of care on the family members of patients with drug addiction becomes much more compared to other mental disorders. 60 drug addict patients diagnosed as per ICD-10 criteria with at least two years duration of illness were identified in Psychiatry Department, BPS Govt. Medical College Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat. The close care takers of family members of these patients were studied by administering the scale of family burden (Family Burden Schedule). The result of study have revealed that longer the duration of illness greater the overall burden. The study has shed significant light on family and social consequences of drug addiction.