The perceived social support systems and coping strategies among patients with alcohol and substance dependence

Aim: This study is conducted descriptively with control groups to examine the way alcohol and drug addicts perceive the social support systems and their attitudes of coping. Method: The research consists of inpatient and outpatients diagnosed according to DSM-IV- TR criteria, 50 of which are alcohol and drug addicts, and 50 of which are non-addict at Sahinbey Research and Application Hospital Psychiatry Department. Study The data has been collected within May 3rd, 2011 and November 29th, 2012 by using socio-demographic (personal) data form, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Coping Scale for the Assessment (COPE). The evaluation of the data, percentage, centering, standard deviation, independent samples t test, Pearson correlation analysis. Results: According to COPE subscales, patients in the study group and the control group have significant difference regarding the average score of denial, behavioral disengagement, restraint, substance use, acceptance and suppression of other activities (p <0.05). MSPSS average total score of the patients in the study group is 42.58 ± 16.01 and the average score of the control group is 62.12 ±15.39. All subscales in MSPSS, the average scores of the study group are significantly lower than the average scores of control group (p <0.05). There is a significant and positive relationship with family support both problem focused coping strategies and emotional focused coping strategies in the research group. Discussion: It is suggested to provide services for effective coping strategies and to increase social support during and after addiction treatment.