The dynamic interaction between family and substance dependence: an international perspective.

The purpose of this article is to highlight the complex interrelationship between the family and psychoactive substance dependence and the important role of the family in the prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration of substance-dependent persons. In addition, illustrations of the influence of the family on substance dependence and the effect of substance-dependent members on the family are analysed on the basis of data from countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe.