Psychological Characteristics of Siblings of Patients with Heroin Addiction

Abstract

Results of a research focused on the characteristics of personal and family functioning of siblings (brothers and sisters) of patients with heroin addiction are presented. It is revealed that their personality dysfunctions manifests in avoiding of situations of confrontation, difficulties to express their emotional experience and regulating interpersonal distance. Specified troubles of sibling’s personal functioning don't reach the level of severe psychological disadaptation. Family functioning of siblings of patients with heroin drug addiction is defined by aspiration to independence from the family. Interrelations of personal and family functioning characteristics with the social, demographic and clinical indicators defining the main living conditions of heroin addicted patients siblings are found.