Correlates of interpersonal problems among current and former drug users in Slovakia

Abstract

Introduction: This cross-sectional study examined correlates of interpersonal problems in a sample of 139 current and former drug users from three types of settings in Slovakia (1 needle-exchange program, 1 twelve-week inpatient treatment and 14 long-term therapeutic communities).

Methods: The Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-32) was correlated with selected psychological constructs, for example, social support, impulsivity, anxiety and the drug abuse screening test.

Results: Contrary to expectations, there were no differences between current and former drug users with respect to their interpersonal problems. Certain interpersonal problems (intrusiveness) tended to be lower, while social resources (affectionate support) were higher in current versus former users. Social support was negatively correlated with risky injecting practices among injectors.

Conclusion: Interpersonal problems among drug users and drug-free populations seem to be of enduring nature and their measurement remains a complex issue. As the findings suggest, addiction can be best understood by studying psychosocial along with biomedical factors, including interpersonal problems, of current drug users as they may differ from treated users.

• Drug addiction
• interpersonal relations
• needle-exchange programs
• residential treatment
• therapeutic community

Acknowledgements

This paper is based on author’s doctoral thesis which was defended at the Trnava University in Slovakia (2011). The following individuals/organizations supported preparation of this paper:

• Dr J. Roth and Dr P. Miller, the ISAJE Mentoring scheme (see Miller (2011), or visit www.parint.org);

• A. Nociar, L. Petrufkova, L. Kosalkova, Z. Alexandercikova, M. Spajdel, I. Ruisel, L. Timulak helped with the Slovak versions of research instruments;

• P. Halama, M. Biescad and S. Pekarovicova provided professional consultations, comments and/or help with data analysis;

• S. Lucna (Drug Addictions Clinic, Slovak Medical University, Psychiatric hospital of Philip Pinel in Pezinok), K. Kapustova, P. Lazovy, A. Pilnikova and all participating centers which supported data collection;

• P. Crits-Christoph, D. Doumas, K. Locke, S. Mueller, M. Lovaglia, R. Matano, J. Kozeny, J. Boehnke helped with full-text articles, instrument and further clarification;

• Eilish Hennessy, Ciara Cassells, Louise Dolphin, Lynn McKeague, and Aisling O’Dwyer-O’Brien for proof-reading and commenting on the paper.