RESEARCH ON ADDICTION
Year:2018 | Volume:11 | Issue:44 |Papers Count:20

Objective: In addition to damage to individual and social health, drug abuse can seriously endanger the aquatic environment through access to aquatic ecosystems. In this research, narcotic drugs (methamphetamine, cocaine, morphine, and codeine) in the input and output wastewater, the sludge arising from wastewater treatment in the wastewater treatment plant of Tehran municipality, and the output effluent in one of the hospitals in Tehran (Tehranpars Hospital) have been examined via GC gas chromatography and Solid Phase Micro Extraction.Method: Solid-phase micro-extraction is an equilibrium extraction method through which it is possible to use pollutants in low concentrations and with high sensitivity without using solvents by means of a proper calibration method. Gas chromatography is the analyzer, initially used with SPME, and, to date, many of its applications are based on separation and analysis by this device.Results: The results of this study showed that high concentrations of codeine and morphine exist in urban sewage and the efficacy of treatment plants in removing these contaminants was not significant (elimination percentages were 23% and 43%, respectively). It has also been observed that there is no cocaine in the study samples.Conclusion: The findings of this study have health-medical implications and points.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of selective exercises on self-efficacy, happiness, and mindfulness.Method: The current research method was quasi-experimental along with pretest/posttest and control group. From all the addicts in Yazd city, 50 addicts were randomly selected and divided into two 25-person groups (control group and experimental group). Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, Oxford Happiness Inventory, and Mindfulness Questionnaire were used for data collection. The experimental group received selective exercises for 6 weeks and the control group did not receive any training or intervention. Analysis of covariance test (ANCOVA) was used to examine the influence of the exercise.Results: The results showed that the above-mentioned selective exercises had a significant effect on the promotion of self-efficacy, happiness, and mindfulness in the experimental group (P<0.05).Conclusion: It can be concluded that aerobic exercises lead to the improvement of psychological functions in addicts. Hence the relevant institutions are recommended to include these exercises in their programs in order to improve mental functions in addicts.

Objective: Addiction is a chronic disease that is characterized by impaired individual, physiological, and social functioning. Wisdom and self-transcendence, as protective factors, can be effective in predicting tendency to substance use. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of wisdom and self-transcendence with the tendency to substance use among university students.Method: A descriptive correlational research method was used in this study. In this study, students of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University constituted the statistical population where a 361-participant sample was selected using multi-stage cluster sampling method. Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS), Adult Self-Transcendence Inventory (ASTI), and drug use tendency questionnaire were used for the purpose of data collection. The data were analyzed via Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis methods.Results: The results showed that there is a significant relationship between components of predictor variables and tendency to substance use. Moreover, it was revealed that wisdom and self-transcendence can predict and explain variance of tendency to substance use (P<0.01).Conclusion: Since wisdom and self-transcendence can predict and explain variance of tendency to substance use, it is possible to reduce the rate of tendency to substance use by nurturing and promoting such characteristics.

Objective: Drug addiction is one of the most important problems of the present age, which has become globally widespread. The purpose of this study was to compare three therapeutic methods, i.e, group cognitive-behavioral therapy, medicinal therapy, and placebo in reducing the anxiety of substance abuse patients.Method: The present study is a quasi-experimental research with pre-test/post-test and control group. The number of 40 male addicts who had obtained high scores in Beck Anxiety Inventory and were diagnosed with general anxiety disorder was selected through convenience sampling method and randomly divided into four groups, i.e. three experimental groups, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, medicinal therapy group, and placebo group and control group. The cognitive behavioral group received six 90-minute sessions of treatment. The medicnal group was placed under sertraline treatment, the placebo group also recived the placebo capsule, and the control group recived no treatment.Results: The results of covariance analysis indicated the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing anxiety in comparison with the medicinal therapy and placebo groups.Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, which indicate the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy in anxiety reduction, this therapy can be used as an effective method to reduce anxiety among addicts.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare family empowerment between the patients with relapse and the ones with sustained maintenance treatment among drug addicts in Tabriz.Method: The causal-comparative research method was used in this study. For this purpose, a 150-participant sample (including 75 patients with and 75 ones without relapse) was selected from among the clients of addiction treatment camps through purposive sampling. It is noteworthy that the participants' families were asked to fill out Family Empowerment Scale.Results: The results showed that the two groups were different in terms of the total score of family empowerment and empowerment levels (family in relation to the addicted person, relationship with service systems, and social status) (p<0.05), and families of the patients with sustained maintenance treatment enjoyed higher empowerment.Conclusion: The current findings can implicitly confirm the role of family empowerment in the management of relapse prevention.

Objective: This study sought to examine the role of perceived social support and feelings of social-emotional loneliness in addiction relapse.Method: This research was a descriptive study and its statistical population included all self-referred male addicts to drug rehab centers in Zahedan who had at least the history of drug withdrawal for once. Through convenience sampling method, 200 individuals were selected and were studied using two questionnaires, including Ziment, Dahlem, Zimet, and Farley Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (1988) and Russell Feelings of Loneliness Scale (1993). To analyze the obtained data, T test and correlation coefficient were run in SPSS21.Results: Mean values of social support and feelings of loneliness were equal to 2.6±0.868 and 3.72±0.801, respectively. In addition, 54.5% of the addicts considered lack of social support effective in addiction relapse and 76.5% of them regarded feelings of loneliness effective in addiction relapse (P<0.01). Correlation coefficient of social support and feelings of loneliness was -0.497 that was significant (P<0.01).Conclusion: Lack of social support and feelings of social and emotional loneliness play a key role in addiction relapse.

Objective: Addiction is a complex social problem that has many negative consequences for the individuals and society. The aim of this study was to have an experimental evaluation of the fitness of the model in which the roles of brain-behavioral systems, difficulty in emotion regulation, and loneliness in the craving of female substance abusers were considered.Method: For this purpose, 580 addicted women in Kerman city were selected by voluntary sampling method and responded to Craving Beliefs Questionnaire, Jackson’s Five Factor Questionnaire, revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale.Results: The results showed that although some of the paths are not statistically significant, the proposed model enjoys a good fit. The results also indicated that brain-behavioral systems contribute to the craving of women with substance abuse both directly and through the mediation of difficulty in emotion regulation, while these systems do not have a role in the craving of women with substance abuse through the mediation of loneliness.Conclusion: Accordingly, these variables can be targeted to prevent addiction, treat addiction, and reduce the possibility of relapse.

Objective: Distress tolerance and anxiety sensitivity are considered traumatic factors for substance use disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of group counselling based on acceptance and commitment therapy in distress tolerance and anxiety sensitivity among female substance abusers.Method: A quasi-experimental research method with pretest-posttest/control group research design was used in this study. The statistical population of this study included all the female substance abusers who were in drug rehabilitation centers of Arak city in spring 2016. Thirty female substance abusers were selected via convenience sampling method and were divided into control and experimental groups. Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) and Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) were used for data collection. The experimental group received eight 60-minute training sessions of ACT. Covariance analysis was used to analyze the data.Results: The results of data analysis showed that group counselling based on acceptance and commitment therapy increases distress tolerance and reduces anxiety sensitivity in female substance abusers in the experimental group compared with the control group.Conclusion: Group counselling based on acceptance and commitment therapy can be applied for substance abuse dependent women and it can be used as a psychological intervention alongside medical treatments.

Objective: Drug use craving is one of the most high-profile topics in the science of addictive disorders. This study aimed at determining the role of moral disengagement and social intelligence in predicting drug use craving among substance users.Method: A descriptive research method and a correlational research design were used for the conduct of this study. The substance users who had referred to departments of outpatient addiction in Kermanshah province in the first half of 2017 constituted the statistical population of this study. A total of 120 participants were selected through randomized cluster sampling. The data gathering tools consisted of three questionnaires, namely Bandura et al., Moral Disengagement Scale, Aungtontett Social Intelligence Test, and Somoza Drug Craving Scale. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis.Results: The results of correlation coefficients showed that craving has a positive relationship with the total score of moral disengagement and some of its components, including moral justification, advantageous comparison, ignoring the consequences, dehumanization, and attribution of blame; and has a negative relationship with social intelligence. The results of regression analysis showed that 15 percent of the variance of drug use craving is explained by moral disengagement and social intelligence.Conclusion: It can be argued that moral disengagement and social intelligence are among the variables associated with drug use craving that should be considered in the addiction treatment program.

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of group schema therapy in metacognitive beliefs and methadone dose in men treated with methadone maintenance medication.Method: A quasi-experimental research design, including pre-test and post-test and control group was used for the conduct of this study. The statistical population of this study included all the men who had referred to the addiction treatment clinics of Isfahan city in Spring 2017 for addiction treatment. For sampling, one addiction treatment clinic was selected via convenience sampling method; then, 30 participants were selected from this center based on purposive sampling and entry criteria. The participants were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 10 weekly 90-minute sessions of schema therapy. Wells Metacognitions Questionnaire was administered to the participants before and after the treatment and methadone dose was also recorded before and after the treatment.Results: The obtained data were analyzed through multivariate covariance in SPSS23 . The results showed that group schema therapy had a significant effect on 5 dimensions of metacognitive beliefs, i.e., positive beliefs about anxiety (p=0.000), negative beliefs about controllability of thoughts and concerns related to anxiety (p=0.000), cognitive unreliability (p=0.000), need for thought control (p=0.000), and cognitive self-awareness (p=0.000)); and methadone dose (p=0.000).Conclusion: Group schema therapy is an effective method in adjusting metacognitive beliefs and decreasing methadone dose in the men under methadone treatment.

Objective: The compassionate mind training was designed in accordance with the structure of cognitive-behavioral therapies and the historical period of this therapeutic model is rooted in the improvement of negative emotions in cognitive-behavioral therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of compassionate mind training in the adjustment of early maladaptive schemas in opiate addicts under methadone maintenance treatment.Method: A quasi-experimental design with pre-test-post-test-follow-up control group design was used in this study. A total of 30 male substance users (mean age=32.5 years) were selected from two addiction treatment centers by convenience sampling method and were classified into two groups after being diagnosed with axis I disorders through a structured clinical interview. The experimental group participated in twelve sessions of Gilbert's Compassionate Mind Training Group. Participants were evaluated by Yang Primary Schema Questionnaire (short form) in three stages of before intervention, final session, and one month later (follow-up session).Results: The findings of this study indicated that the score of schemas in the experimental group decreased except for the schemes of abandonment/instability, mistrust/abuse, enmeshment, entitlement/grandiosity, and unrelenting standards/hypercriticalness.Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the compassionate mind training is an effective treatment in adjusting the early maladaptive schemas among opiate addicts under methadone maintenance treatment.

Objective: The present study aimed at the structural modeling of family function and drug craving in addicted people under methadone maintenance treatment with the emphasis on the mediator role of self-compassion.Method: This research is a correlational study in which path analysis method has been used to examine structural connections between the variables. The statistical population of this research consisted of the addicts who were under methadone maintenance treatment in Ahvaz outpatient treatment centers under the supervision of welfare organization (Behzisti) in 2017. Among them, 150 individuals have been selected based on acceptance criteria and cluster sampling method. These participants were selected in line with the inclusion criteria and responded to Family Assessment Device, Self-Compassion Scale, and Drug Craving Questionnaire. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software programs.Results: The results demonstrated the adequate precision of the model in which family function directly predicted drug craving. In addition, family function (unhealthy) also indirectly and more precisely predicted drug craving via the mediating role of self-compassion.Conclusion: According to the findings of this research, family function and self-compassion are contributing factors to drug craving. Thus, it is essential to pay heed to the role of family function and its correlates during the process of methadone maintenance treatment.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the temperament and character of patients suffering from major depression with and without Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and normal people.Method: This research was a causal-comparative study. The statistical population of the study consisted of patients with major depressive disorder who referred to Tabriz medical centers in the second and third quarters of 2017. Thirty patients suffering from major depressive disorder with substance use disorder and 30 patients without substance use disorder were selected by purposive sampling method and 30 normal subjects were selected by convenience sampling method. The temperament and character inventory (TCI) and Beck depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were employed in the process of data collection.Results: The findings of this study revealed that depressed patients showed significantly higher novelty seeking and harm avoidance, and lower perseverance, self-direction, and cooperation than normal people. Moreover, depressed patients with substance use disorder reported a high degree of novelty seeking and a lower level of perseverance, self-direction, and cooperation in comparison to depressed patients without comorbidity.Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the dimensions of temperament and character have a significant role in the development of mental disorders. Identifying these dimensions in high risk groups can be effective in developing preventive and therapeutic interventions for depression and substance use disorders.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of methadone maintenance therapy on the levels of impulsivity in substance users.Method: The method of this study was the quasi-experimental, pre-test-post-test single-group design. The statistical population of the study consisted of substance abusers who referred to two addiction treatment clinics in Sari during the second six months of 2015. The sample consisted of 30 substance abusers who were selected by convenience sampling method. The participants were evaluated before and 45 days after methadone maintenance treatment. Barratt Impulsivity Scale, Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART), and Go-No-Go Test were employed to measure the impulsivity of the participants.Results: The results of t-test showed a significant reduction in the total score of impulsivity and cognitive impulsivity in the Barratt scale and a significant decrease in the impulsivity indices in the balloon analogue risk task and the Go-No-Go Test after methadone maintenance.Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, methadone maintenance therapy is an effective strategy in reducing the level of impulsivity of substance abusers. Methadone maintenance therapy can be used in situations where the reduction of the impulsive behavior in substance abusers is the objective at the abstinence period.

Objective: This study aimed at examining the pattern of the causal relationship of diffused identity and self-efficacy with addiction potential via the mediating role of sense seeking in female students of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz.Method: The statistical population of this study consisted of the female students of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in 2016 and sampling was conducted by random cluster sampling method (300 participants). The following measures were used to evaluate the research variables: Berzonsky Identity Style Inventory-Sixth Grade (1989), Schwartzer & Jerusalem's Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (1979), Arnett's Sensation Seeking Scale (1994), and Weed & Butcher's Addiction Potential Scale (1989). The proposed model was evaluated using path analysis.Results: The results showed that the proposed model fits the data. In addition, all path coefficients among the variables in the whole sample were statistically significant. Moreover, the direct paths of diffused identity, self-efficacy, and sensation seeking towards addiction potential and sensation seeking were statistically significant. On the other hand, the results showed that the indirect relationship of diffused identity and self-efficacy with addiction potential were also significant through sensation seeking.Conclusion: The findings contain practical implications.