Assessment of Burden, Quality of Life, and Sexual Dysfunction in Spouses of Patients with Substance Use Disorder

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a significant public health concern that affects not only the individuals consuming substances but also their families, particularly spouses. This study assesses the burden, quality of life (QOL), and sexual dysfunction experienced by spouses of SUD patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa, with 200 participants (100 cases and 100 controls). The findings indicate that spouses of SUD patients experience significantly higher emotional, psychological, and social burdens, lower QOL scores, and a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction. Recent research further supports these findings, emphasizing the link between caregiving burden and increased mental health risks in spouses of SUD patients. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted interventions, including psychological counseling, peer support groups, and relationship-focused therapies, to mitigate the effects of living with an SUD patient.