Alessitimia, tossicodipendenza e percezione del funzionamento familiare. Un’indagine esplorativa

The present study aimed to analyze the differences between drug addicts and non-addicts, in regard to family functioning and alexithymia, and also to investigate inter-individual differences of drug addicts relating to the dimensions of family func- tioning. The research involved 15 participants being treated for addictions to alcohol and/or other drugs in a therapeutic community and 15 subjects who were not ad- dicted to substances. Significant differences emerged from the comparison between the two groups: the drug addict group has worse family functioning and higher levels of alexithymia. The analysis of inter-individual differences within the clinical group highlighted varied and non-homogeneous family profiles, but largely united by a marked disengagement.