Family characteristics of African American substance abusers

This study investigated the family characteristics of African American substance abusers. The primary focus of this study was to determine the extent that enmeshment and cohesion are variables in the development of substance abusing behavior with African Americans. Additional family characteristics such as anger/aggression and conflict/avoidance were examined during the course of this study.; Ninety subjects participated in this study. Substance abusing subjects were recruited from drug treatment programs in the San Francisco metropolitan area. Non-substance abusing subjects were recruited from various community organizations and schools. Family characteristics and substance abuse history were gathered for all participants. An analysis of covariance design was utilized as the primary statistical measure.; The results of this research indicated a significant difference between the treatment group and control group in regards to family cohesion. The two groups did not differ in regards to enmeshment. A significant correlation was found in relation to multigenerational drug abuse. Enmeshment was not significant between groups. Additionally, correlations between types of substance abuse and individual family characteristics were found to be significant.; These findings provide new information in regards to family characteristics, substance abuse, and African Americans. Treatment and prevention implications are additional findings of this research.