Family functioning as a factor in drug abuse

Abstract

There are many factors which may lead to drug abuse among adolescents and young people in Malta. These factors include the family, the socio-cultural environment, individual traits and particular situations. I shall focus attention on the family as a major factor in drug abuse. I shall discuss important aspects of the family such as family functioning, cohesiveness, emotional climate and communication. I shall then present a qualitative research project. The influence of the family in the aetiology of drug abuse by adolescents and young people emerges very clearly from this research project.