Prevalence and self-rated health and depression of family members affected by addictive disorders: results of a nation-wide cross-sectional study

Aims To estimate the prevalence of family members affected by addictive disorders (FMA) with regard to various types of addictive disorders, and self-rated health and depression in the general population. Design Cross-sectional general population survey. Setting The German Health Update study (GEDA) 2014/2015, a nationally representative panel of German residents aged 15 years or older. Participants A total of 24 824 residents aged 15 years or older. Measurements Participants were asked if they had a family member with current or past addictive disorder, the type of addiction and the relationship status. In addition, self-rated health and depression were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Findings Of the respondents, 9.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 9.0-10.0] reported being affected by a current addictive disorder of a relative (cFMA), with a further 4.5% (95% CI = 4.2-4.9) reported having been affected by the addictive disorders of a relative in the past but not within the last 12 months (pFMA). Most FMAs reported having been affected by disorders due to alcohol, followed by cannabis and other drugs. Compared with life-time non-FMAs, FMAs reported significantly (P < 0.001) higher odds ratios for depression (cFM = 2.437; 95% CI = 2.082-2.853; pFMA = 1.850; 95% CI = 1.519-2.253) and ill-health (cFMA = 1.574; 95% CI = 1.374-1.805; pFMA = 1.297; 95% CI = 1.082-1.555). Conclusions In Germany, family members affected by addictive disorder are a substantial group within the general population. This group is characterized by ill-health and has not yet been adequately addressed by the addiction treatment system.

Automated summary

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of family members affected by addictive disorders in the general population of Germany and found that this group is characterized by poor self-rated health and higher rates of depression. The study highlights the need for better addressing the treatment of addictive disorders among family members in Germany.