Social epidemiologic comparisons in a European cohort of substance-dependent therapeutic community clients: a case-oriented analysis

A case-oriented analytical approach compared the index national case of Fra nce with the typical European outcome other European cases and American res ults on social epidemiological indicators. Modal distributions were found t o be most similar between the French sample and the total European sample o n most social network items in a European therapeutic community cohort (n = 723). The characteristics of the American and our sample were also found t o be strikingly similar. Network size varies mainly with the number of subs tance-dependent contacts reported by the client. Southern European clients have been living with their parents while northern clients have been living alone. Spending most of the time with drug-using friends is not related to developing intimate relationships and a counterbalance to a situation of p eer loneliness. The importance of looking at the function of social network relations in risk networks in harmonising European policy is emphasised.