The Role of Social Integration in the Clubs of Treated Alcoholics in Croatia

Abstract

Social integration and its role on a population’s general health is an oft-debated concept; primarily through the sub-field of social epidemiology. This research takes the concept and correlates it with some aspects of physical and psychological well-being of the individual. However, there is a lack of the research discussing the roll of social integration in the addiction rehabilitation, especially in regard to alcoholism treatment. With that in mind, the main goal of this article is to discuss and identify the connection between the perception of social integration and the process of alcohol addiction treatment in the Clubs of Treated Alcoholics in Republic of Croatia. A discussion about the following subject is based on the theoretical redefinition of the Parsons Theory of a Sick Role. A synthesis of the empirical and theoretical level of analysis is constructed through the research, which has been conducted on the case of Clubs of Treated Alcoholics in Republic of Croatia. Through the convenience sampling method, there were 255 participants. Results have been showing a statistically significant connection between the sense of belonging in the rehabilitation group and the perception of the treatment success. Participants of the study who were more integrated in the rehabilitation group have found their treatment more successful.

Keywords

• sick role
• social integration
• alcoholism
• clubs of treated alcoholics in croatia