Case Studies of Family Care for Sufferers of Alcoholism in Delta State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Alcohol misuse and dependence cause serious mental health problems in the relatives of sufferers. Most studies in the past have focused on the effect of alcohol on the users but few studies have been done in Nigeria on families and carers. Aim: This study aimed at profiling significant causative conditions in terms of an alcoholic’s family social characteristics and their preferred care option. Method: The method involved 26 sufferers of ICD - 9 diagnosed alcoholism persons diagnosed in government general hospitals by physicians and social workers. The alcoholic persons’ case files led social workers to enable the researcher identify their families. A focus group discussion was held separately with each of these 26 families with the sufferers of alcoholism present. Result: The results showed that alcoholism was mostly associated with family members of low socioeconomic status and low education. Loss of a spouse was reported as an important causative factor of alcoholism. Thirdly, members said that alcoholic subjects showed significant negative relationship with significant others. And lastly, family care givers preferred unorthodox ways of treatment options for their members suffering from alcoholism. This form of care involves only chemotherapeutic measures. Conclusion: It was suggested that the implication of this form of preferred care is that, the sufferers of alcoholism has significant probability rate of relapse. Therefore it was suggested that, families be counselled by social workers and other expert mental health workers to include some form of psychotherapy in their care practices. This will enable a holistic care and reduce relapse.

Key Words: Nigeria, Family, Care, Alcoholics.