Abstract
This study aimed to assess the level of burden placed on family caregivers of drug addicts in a sample of 115 female family members whose relatives were under a drug addiction treatment program in João Pessoa-PB. The study also examined the existence of differences in burden level and type of drug, place of treatment and sociodemographic variables. A sociodemographic questionnaire and a Caregiver Burden Inventory (Zarit Burden Interview) were administered. The results of both instruments were analyzed with SPSS 21. The level of burden was moderate to severe. Significant differences were found in relation to place of treatment and kinship, but not in relation to the type of drug (alcohol or crack). We hope that this study may assist the persons who take care in the treatment of a drug addiction.
Keywords
drug addiction; family; burden