Attachment Styles and Codependency Among Individuals With Substance Use Disorders in Eastern Turkey

Abstract

Substance use disorder (SUDs) is a currently important public health problem. Attachment styles and codependency are critical aspects to consider in understanding and addressing SUDs. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relation attachment style and codependency and affecting factors among individuals with substance use disorders in Eastern Turkey. Using purposive sampling method, 232 individuals with SUDs enrolled in Alcohol and Substance Addiction Treatment Center at Van located in eastern Turkey between June- August 2023. The Adult Attachment Style Scale and the Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale were used. Descriptive measures were used for analysis and Independent Samples T-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient for inferential analysis. Lastly, a multiple linear regression model was run to determine significant predictors of codependency. Variables significantly correlated with participants' attachment style included kind of substances, marital status. Participants' codependency was correlated with having children. There was a weak positive correlation between avoidant attachment style and codependency. A moderate positive correlation was found between anxious/ambivalent attachment style and codependency. Variables significantly correlated with participants' attachment style included kind of substances, marital status. Participants' codependency was correlated with having children. Through the analysis of multiple linear regression, it came to light that significant predictors of codependency in the final model could account for 24.1% of the variance in codependency. The results of the current study provide insight into the relations between substance use, attachment, and codependency. The results are useful for the treatment team in developing a care and treatment plan for individuals with SUDs.