FAMILY MEMBERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON THE ACTIVITY OF CLUBS OF ALCOHOLICS IN TREATMENT

Sa？etak Clubs of alcoholics in treatment are a dominant form of post-hospital treatment in Croatia, which is based on the family approach. If alcoholism is regarded as a disease with many consequences on family dynamics and individual personal development of each family, it is important that family members be included in team work. The aim of the study was to identify some characteristics of the functioning of family members and other important accompanying persons, and how they estimate the contribution of the clubs to the sense of progress in various areas of life, i.e. to the sense of change in psychosocial functioning. The research was conducted in 40 randomly selected clubs in Croatia using stratified sampling, and a total of 200 members participated who provide support to the person being treated for alcohol addiction. Results show that family members disagree about their status, but that they recognise the contribution of clubs to the sense of progress in various areas of life, as well as to the sense of change in psychosocial functioning. Hierarchical regression analysis has shown particular importance of two factors – duration of membership in the club and the variety of topics covered in professional work. The longer a person is included in the work of the club and the more topics the expert is covering, the more impact the club will have on the sense of personal change. Apart from that, significant predictors are a better relationship of the expert with the accompanying person and better treatment of the participant by other members. Finally, measures are proposed to harmonise professional practice of including family members in order to achieve the best therapeutic effects for people with alcohol addiction and their family members