RESEARCH ON ADDICTION
Year:2018 | Volume:12 | Issue:45 |Papers Count:21

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the spatial analysis of drug-related crimes in Iran's provinces. Method: The statistical population of this study consisted of 31 provinces of the country based on the data of 2015. The model used for datat analysis included Prometheus, Global Moran statistics, and Oval standard deviation. Results: The provinces of Ilam and Tehran with Phi values of 0. 736 and – 0. 803 were placed in the best and worst ranks for drug-related offenses, respectively. The spatial analysis of the global Moran model shows that drug traffickers and distributors, addicts and consumers od crystal, cocaine, ampoules, psychedelic pills, and precursors are the indexes that contain randomized distribution model; and the indicators of other substances, grasses, hashish, opium and sap, morphine, heroin, and foreign substances have a cluster distribution pattern. In addition, the results of the oval test indicated a standard deviation from the distribution direction of southeast to northwest. Conclusion: The assessment and spatial analysis of drug-related crimes showed that border provinces and Tehran as the capital of the country are exposed to drug-related crimes more than other provinces.

Objective: This research aimed at analyzing the contents of newspapers in controlling and combatting narcotics in Iran. Method: The current research was conducted using descriptive-analytical method and content analysis. In the statistical population of the research (Ettela'at and Iran newspapers), 20 content items were used to analyze the content of articles and analytical reports of the newspapers. Each of these items was divided into several options. Results: The classification of the news items released in these newspapers indicates that the news coverage of newspapers about drugs is more related to drug trafficking, institutes involved in drug counter, drug prevention, addiction treatment, drug addiction, and victim groups. The representation of these two newspapers from narcotics and addiction issues in the society has not been that much consistent with the social realities of this domain. Conclusion: The representation of narcotics was almost the same in Ettela'at and Iran. The differences are more related to the media objectives of each of these newspapers. Iran newspaper, as one of the government's official media, has focused mostly on official sites in reflecting drug-related news. In contrast, Ettela'at newspaper has covered some social dimensions, such as narcotics trafficking or punishment of traffickers.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of emotional family atmosphere in drug use tendency based on the mediating role of negative affect. Method: A correlational research method was used for the conduct of this study by using structural equation modeling. The statistical population of the research included students of Farhangian Shahid Beheshti Campus of Mashhad in the academic year 2017-18. From among this population, the number of 400 students (311 male students and 89 female students) was selected as the participants of the study via random cluster sampling method. Addiction Tendency Questionnaire (Mirhesami, 2009), Emotional Family Atmosphere Scale (Burn, 1964), and Positive and Negative Affect Scale (Watson et al., 1988) were used for data collection. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and structural simulation modeling in SPSS (version 18) and AMOS (version 21). Results: The results showed that negative affect has a mediating role in the relationship between emotional family atmosphere and drug use tendency. In addition, the fit indices are also placed in the domains. According to these points, the final model of the research enjoys a desired goodness of fit. Conclusion: Considering the role of emotional family atmosphere and negative affect in predicting addiction, it is possible to make use of the current findings to train families and conduct preventive interventions in educational centers through the conduct of appropriate workshops.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic role of delayed reward discounting and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in people with stimulant abuse, opiate abuse, and smoking disorders. Method: In the form of a causal-comparative research design, 45 patients with opioid use, 45 patients stimulant use, and 45 patients with smoking were selected via convenience sampling method from among the clients with stimulant use, opioid use, and smoking. These participants were evaluated through Monetary-Choice Questionnaire (Kirby, Petry, & Bickel, 1999) and Short Form of Emotional Cognitive Ordering Strategies (Hassani, 2011). Diagnostic function analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The results of diagnostic function with two variables of delayed reward discounting and cognitive emotion regulation strategies could correctly group 93. 3% of stimulant abusers, 88. 9% opiate abusers, and 86. 4% of smokers; in other words, 89. 6% of all participants were classified correctly. Conclusion: Delayed reward discounting and cognitive emotion regulation strategies made a significant contribution to the diagnosis of and differentiation among the three groups of stimulant abusers, opioid abusers, and smokers. Therefore, it is recommended that these factors be considered in the prevention and treatment programs associated with these three disorders.

Objective: The present study aimed at investigating the causal relationship between parenting styles, attachment styles, and self-regulation among drug dependent individuals in Urmia city. Method: In this correlational/ descriptive research, the number of 449 addicts was chosen through multi-stage cluster sampling method from among the addicts who had referred to addiction treatment clinics in Urmia city. They then filled out the questionnaires, namely Parenting Styles Questionnaire (Zeinali, Sharifi, Enayati, Asgari, & Pasha, 2012), Self-Regulation Questionnaire (Carey, Neil, & Collins, 2004), and Attachment Styles Questionnaire (Van Oudenhoven, Hofstra, & Bakker, 2003). The collected data were analyzed by presenting two models through path analysis in AMOS software. Results: The results of this study showed that authoritarian and neglectful parenting styles have a significant negative effect on self-regulation; and authoritative and permissive parenting styles have a significant positive effect on self-regulation in fathers and mothers' model (P <0. 001). In both models, authoritative and permissive styles had a significant positive effect on secure attachment style (P <0. 001). The effect of authoritarian and neglectful styles on the secure attachment style was not significant in fathers' model, but it had a significant negative effect on the mothers' model (P <0. 05).

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of family communication patterns and attachment styles in predicting drug abuse among young people. Method: A descriptive/ correlational research method was used for the conduct of this study. The statistical population of this research included all students of University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in academic year 2016-17. From among this population, 380 participants were randomly selected through random clustering method and responded to the three questionnaires, namely Family Communication Patterns Questionnaire, Hazan and Shaver Adult Attachment Questionnaire, and Addiction Potential Scale (APS). The data were analyzed in SPSS-19. Results: The results showed that attachment styles and family communication patterns are correlated with addiction potential. Conclusion: Considering the role of the above variables in predicting addiction potential in young people, the findings of this study can be used in prevention and treatment programs of addiction.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the mediating role of spirituality, sense of coherence, and coping strategies in the relationship between perceived stress and severity of substance dependence. Method: A descriptive-correlation research method was used for the conduct of this study. The statistical population of the study consisted of 200 male opioid users who had referred to Addiction Treatment Centers in Minoodasht city. It is noteworthy that these participants were selected via convenience sampling method. In order to collect data, a semi-structured interview on the severity of addiction and the questionnaires pertaining to perceived stress, sense of coherence, and spirituality were used. The collected data were analyzed through path analysis in SPSS and LISREL software. Results: The results showed that the structural model of the research does not have a suitable fit with the empirical data; and only the spirituality variable and emotion-focused coping strategy mediated the relationship between stress and severity of substance dependency. Conclusion: The importance of spiritual dimension, as a protective factor against stress and a preventive factor against substance abuse behaviors, should be included as an important part of substance abuse treatment programs.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based return prevention therapy in social well-being and relapse prevention in crystal users. Method: In a quasi-experimental research design, 40 clients with a diagnosis of crystal abuse disorder (who successfully completed the detoxification period) were selected via purposive sampling and were then divided into two experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 10 group sessions of mindfulness-based therapy (one session per week), while the control group did not receive any treatment during this period. The participants responded to Keyes's Social Well-Being Scale (1998) and also took a morphine test before and after the onset of the treatment. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of social well-being at the post-test and follow-up stages. In addition, the results of Chi-square test indicated that there was a significant difference between the two groups in the frequency of return. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that mindfulness-based return prevention therapy is effective in increasing social well-being and preventing relapse in crystal consumers.

Objective: The consumption of crystal disrupts the brain and cognitive functions and generates a severe craving in users. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of matrix-based model in changing the locus of control, reducing craving, and reducing tendency to use crystal in inpatient men. Method: A quasi-experimental research method along with pretest/ posttest and control group was used for the conduct of this study. From among the crystal addicted men under treatment in the addiction clinic of Rasht, 20 participants were selected via purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to two groups, i. e. one experimental group and one control group. Intervention based on the matrix model was administered to the experimental group in 24 group sessions, whereas the control group did not receive any intervention. At the end of the intervention, the level of craving and tendency to use crystal was measured in all participants again (posttest) and the data were analyzed by MANCOVA. Results: The results indicated that the intervention based on matrix can significantly reduce locus of control, craving, and tendency to use crystal (P<0. 01). Conclusion: The findings of this research provide some evidence that the intervention based on matrix model is an appropriate educational-therapeutic method for changing locus of control and reducing the level of craving and tendency to use crystal.

Objective: Substance abuse is associated with a series of brain executive dysfunctions. This research aims at comparing cognitive impulsivity (decision-making and response inhibition) and planning ability between addicted and non-addicted people. Method: The method of the current study was causal-comparative. All the Addicts admitted to addiction treatment centers of Ardabil city who had referred to the centers from April 21, 2017 to July 22, 2017 constituted the statistical population of this research. The research sample consisted of 60 participants who were selected via convenience sampling method from among the research population. Moreover, 60 non-addicts who were matched with the addicted group in terms of age, education, and marital status were selected via convenience sampling method from among the patients' companions and others. Both groups participated in Iowa Gambling test, Go-No Go task, and Tower of London task. Results: The results showed that cognitive impulsivity (decision-making and response inhibition) is observed in addicts more than that in non-addicts while planning ability is observed in the addicted group to a lower extent than that in the non-addicted group. Conclusion: Drug dependent individuals have more risky decision-making processes, lower response inhibition, and weaker planning ability compared to ordinary people. Thus, executive dysfunctions are associated with substance abuse.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to predict cognitive emotion regulation strategies based on metacognitive beliefs and attribution styles in the addicted people under abstinence period. Method: The statistical population of this consisted of the individuals who had referred to one of the addiction therapy centers in Ghods city in 2016 (under methadone therapy). One hundred and sixty-three participants were randomly selected and completed three questionnaires, namely Wells's Metacognitions Questionnaire, Garnefski's Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and Seligman et al. 's Attributional Style Scale. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that two components of metacognitive beliefs, i. e. positive beliefs about worry and self-awareness could positively predict adaptive emotion regulation strategies; and three components of attribution styles, namely attribution of failure to internal, consistent, and global factors could negatively predict adaptive emotion regulation strategies. Additionally, adaptive cognitive emotion strategies were predicted positively based on the attribution of success to internal and global factors. In addition, positive beliefs about worry and need for thought control could negatively and positively predict maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, respectively. Also, the attribution of failure to internal and consistent factors could positively predict maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies; and the attribution of success to consistent factors could positively predict maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies. Conclusion: The components of metacognitive beliefs and attribution styles have a determinative role in the explanation of cognitive emotion regulation strategies in the addicted people under the abstinence period.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the factors affecting drug addiction in women in Semnan province. Method: This research was a descriptive-survey study based on structural equations. The statistical population of the study included all women who had the experience of drug use and who had come to Semnan women's addiction center during six months. The statistical sample (n = 54) was selected through convenience sampling method and was equal to the statistical population in terms of number. For data collection, Addiction Tendency Questionnaire was used. SPSS22 and PLS2 Smart software were used to analyze and explain the model components and their relationships. Results: After presenting the model and examining the factors affecting drug use tendency, family-environmental factors were revealed as the most important factor of drug use tendency, which was followed by social factors and, finally, individual factors. Conclusion: Unhealthy families create an unhealthy environment, and living in such families and environments leads the person to social deviations and addiction. It is suggested that planners and organizations responsible for counter-narcotics assign credit and value to adolescents, young people, and women more than other groups. For this purpose, serious efforts are needed to improve the social environment through cultural and guidance tools rather than military and compulsory means.

Objective: This study aimed at comparing the effectiveness of dialectical behavioral therapy and psychodrama in distress tolerance and emotion regulation among people with a history of addiction. Method: A quasi-experimental research design along with pretest/posttest and control group was used for the conduct of this research. This research was carried out on 90 women over the age of 20 years who were in the abstinence period in Isfahan in 2016. The statistical population of this research consisted of all women with a history of addiction in the prison of Isfahan in 2016. A purposive sampling was conducted among the women with a history of addiction through recall and in a voluntary fashion. The participants were randomly divided into 3 groups (two experimental groups and one control group). The experimental groups were trained through psychodrama and dialectic therapy, whereas the control group received no training. Distress Tolerance Questionnaire and a researcher-constructed Problematic Behavioral Emotional States Questionnaire constituted the data collection tools in this study. Finally, the data were analyzed through covariance analysis with the observance of the required assumptions. Results: The results showed that the therapeutic methods used in this study were effective in emotion regulation and distress tolerance among addicted women (P <0. 0001). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, psychodrama therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy have been effective in emotion regulation and distress tolerance among addicted women.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the causal relationship of secure attachment and moral intelligence with addiction potential through the mediating role of sensation seeking in 10th-grade male students of high schools in Ahwaz. Method: In this descriptive-correlational study, all 10th-grade male students of public high schools in Ahwaz constituted the statistical population. From among this population, the number of 64 students was selected from educational districts one and three of Ahvaz through multi-stage random sampling method. For data collection, the following instruments were used: Simpson's Attachment Style Scale (1990), Lennick, & Kiel's Moral Intelligence Scale (2008), Arnett's Inventory of Sensation Seeking (AISS) (1994), and Iranian Addiction Potential Scale (IAPS) (Zargar, 2006). The proposed model was evaluated via path analysis method. In order to assess the indirect relations, the Bootstrap test was used in the Macro Preacher and Hayes computer instructions. Results: According to the results of this study, the proposed model enjoyed a good fit with the data. In general, the results showed that all path coefficients among the variables were statistically significant in the whole sample. Also, direct paths of insecure attachment and moral intelligence towards sensation seeking were also significant. In addition, the results showed that indirect paths of insecure attachment and moral intelligence towards addiction potential were significant through sensation seeking. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the proposed model has an acceptable goodness of fit and can be useful in identifying effective factors in addiction potential. Moreover, this model can be useful for the development of addiction prevention programs.

Objective: Addiction and the environment are important in developmental plans. NGOs play some part in the process of sustainable development. Drug reduction activities have recently assumed importance in the context of environmental protection and education through NGOs. Public participation plays a key role in the development of entrepreneurship in the field of the environment and prevention of the spread of drugs. Method: The research is a qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the statistical population, including experts, specialists, and managers of NGOs. Analysis in the qualitative section was performed using open and axial coding in three steps. Results: In this regard, 80 sub-factors and 11 core factors were identified, which are as follows: goals, managerial capabilities, culture, resources, educational maturity level, processes, relationships with external networks, structure, organizational strategies, knowledge management, and teaching methods. Conclusion: The identification of organizational factors improves the operational processes and optimizes the effectiveness of training and education.