Social networks and psychopathology among substance abusers

The authors studied the social networks and psychopathology of 168 patients with diagnoses of substance abuse. Small network size was correlated with higher scores on the Modified Michigan Alcohol-Drug Screening Test, higher symptom reports on the SCL-90 and the Beck Depression Inventory, and more observed psychopathology according to the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Larger network size was correlated with better functioning according to the Global Assessment Scale and DSM-III axis V. The authors conclude that such symptom complexes as paranoia and phobia may undermine the social networks of substance abusers more than such symptom complexes as anxiety and depression.