فصلنامه آرشیو توانبخشی
سال چهاردهم شماره 5 (پیاپی 55، زمستان 1392)

People may deny stress to get rid of it. In this case, they tend to exhibit high-risk behaviors. Inability to solve problems and emotional conflicts leads to high-risk behavior in addicts. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between risky behavior history (prison records and drug injection history) and emotion regulation in methamphetamine abusers. In this case-control study, 60 methamphetamine users (13 people with prisons records and 11 people with drug injection history) were selected purposefully from persons who had been admitted to convenient treatment centers (MMT center, addiction treatment camp and self-help groups and Narcotics Anonymous). Demographic data and risky behavior history were gathered. The ‘Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire’ (CERQ) was used to assess emotion regulation. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The findings revealed no significant difference in CERQ subscales between the groups. There was no significant relationship between emotion regulation and risky behavior such as prison records and drug injection history in methamphetamine users.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between ‘depression, anxiety and stress’ and aggression in people with drug dependence. An analytical study was conducted to determine correlation. In 2013, 110 individuals with drug-dependence were selected conveniently as a sample group. Data were collected using the ‘Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale’ (DASS) and the ‘Buss-Prey Aggression Questionnaire’. They were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression. Findings indicated significant correlations between ‘depression, anxiety and stress’ and aggression (depression & aggression r=0.828, anxiety & aggression r=0.793, stress & aggression r=0.775; p<0.0005). Depression (p<0.0005) and stress (p<0.05) showed significant predictiveness for aggression, while anxiety did not significant predictiveness (p> 0.05). The results showed that depression, anxiety, and stress were associated with aggression in people with drug dependence. This study suggests that addiction treatment centers and cognitive-behavior therapy clinics take into account the psychological co-morbidities present in drug-dependent individuals and attempt to treat them too.

Motivation for treatment is a key element in treatment and recovery of substance abuse disorders. The current study was conducted to investigate the role of risk perception and self- reflection in prediction of motivation for treatment in people with substance dependence. This survey study was conducted to determine correlation. The statistical population of this study comprised all those with substance dependence who were referring to Ardabil’s addiction treatment centers in the second half of 1392. One hundred and forty people were selected from this population through multistage random cluster sampling. They were asked to complete the questionnaires of risk perception, self- reflection and motivation for treatment. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and multivariate regression tests. motivation for treatment was positively associated with risk of drug abuse (r=0/26; p<0/003), risk of aggressive behavior (r=0/47; p<0/001), Risk of sports activities (r=0/21; p<0/015), risk of academic and professional failures (r=0/68; p<0/001), risk of sexual activity (r=0/31; p<0/001), and risk of heavy drinking (r=0/43; p<0/001). It was also positively associated with the total score of self-reflection and insight (r=0/24); p<0/006) and the need to self-reflect (r=0/42; p<0/001). Fifty percent variance of motivation for treatment was explained by risk perception and 19% was explained by self-reflection in the multiple regression analysis results. The results of this study demonstrate that high perceived risks of drug induced behavior and high ability for self-reflection can predict motivation for treatment and readiness for change in drug-dependent individuals.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of substance abuse and dependence among women addicts in Iran. A descriptive study was conducted on women addicts. Thirty individuals were selected from women who had referred to rehabilitation centers for treatment and had been formally recognized to have had a 2-year history of addiction. They were then interviewed with an open-ended inventory. Most women were in the age range of 26-30 years. Crack (60%) and methamphetamine (46.6%) were reportedly most abused. The amount daily abused was 1-1.5 grams. The method of abuse was smoking (80%), inhaling (6.7%), and injection (13.3%). About 73.3% of women switched their drugs in the short time. The cause of drug change was mostly hedonism, and the cause of addiction was mostly having an addict spouse. The trend of drug abuse in women is more hazardous than in men, and is different too. Women addicts receive less emotional and financial support from their families and the society than their male counterparts. Among other results of this research are: changing patterns of substance abuse among women, their increased use of industrial substances, and earlier age of onset.

This study examined the effectiveness of Marlatt’s cognitive-behavioral model on increasing self-efficacy in opiate-dependents. In a pilot project, 30 opiate-dependent clients of addiction clinics in Khorramabad were randomly assigned to study and control groups. The study group went through 12 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy; an overall 24 hours. The control group did not receive any special treatment. All the participants completed the self-efficacy questionnaire at the beginning and end of treatment. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze data. Findings showed significant differences between the two groups after intervention. According to the findings Marlatt’s cognitive behavioral model is effective in increasing self-efficacy in opiate-dependents.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) on the mental health of harm reduction services’ recipients in Hamedan’s drop-in centers (DIC). This research was a quasi experimental study. The statistical population consisted of 200 subjects. Sixty individuals (30 MMT recipients and 30 harm reduction services’ recipients) were selected through convenient sampling. The data was collected with the SCL 90 Inventory. Data was analyzed with T-Test for independent groups. The findings showed significant differences between the mental health of MMT recipients and harm reduction services’ recipients in DIC. The mental health of MMT recipients was higher than harm reduction services’ recipients (P < 0/001). In conclusion, MMT is more effective than harm reduction services (DIC) in improving clients’ mental health status.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Immunization program against addictive drugs in Isfahan’s preschool centers. To achieve the abovementioned objective, 60 children from preschool centers were selected through sampling. A quasi experimental pre-test post-test study was conducted. The Immunization Program (KADU packet) was administrated to the experimental group. The test used in this study was the ‘preschool children's knowledge, affects and behaviors toward addictive drugs’ checklist. Data were analyzed by Analysis of Covariance. According to the results, the Immunization program against addictive drugs in preschool children is effective. The overall results of the study showed the Immunization program to be effective. It increased children's knowledge, changed their attitudes toward addictive drugs, and shaped avoidant and assertive behavior.

This study was designed to examine the relationship between personality traits and substance use among college students in Tehran. This was a correlational prediction study. Subjects were 914 bachelors or masters students with a mean age of 23.13 years, selected from one of Tehran’s universities through cluster sampling. The ‘Big Five Inventory’ (Goldberg, 1999) and risk behaviors questionnaire (National College Health Risk Behavior Survey, 2007) were used to collect data. The criterion or dependent variable was ‘substance use’ and ‘personality traits’ was the predictor or independent variable. Data was analyzed through multiple regression analysis. Substance use had a positive correlation with ‘Agreeableness’ and ‘Openness’ and a negative correlation with ‘Extraversion’, ‘Consciousness’ and ‘Emotional Stability’. ‘Consciousness’, ‘Agreeableness’, ‘Emotional Stability’ and ‘Openness’ were important variables in prediction of substance use. This regression model can explain 30% of the total variance of substance use score. Results of this research indicate that personality variables are determinant factors of substance use. Likewise, with the possibility of prediction of substance use based upon personality traits, we can identify at risk individuals and focus on preventive interventions.

The objective of this study was to assess and compare quality of life indicators in caregivers of schizophrenic patients with and without substance dependency in Razi Psychiatric Hospital. In this analytical study, 30 persons per group (caregivers of substance-dependent and substance non-dependent schizophrenic patients) were selected from Razi Psychiatric Hospital through convenient sampling. Indicators of quality of life were measured by WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire and analyzed by independent t-test. The overall results of this study showed that all the dimensions of quality of life in caregivers of schizophrenic patients (with and without drug dependency) were similar. However, due to frequent physical and psychological disputes with the patient, Physical health indicators were low. Moreover, the Stigma associated with mental illness caused a decrease in social and religious indicators. On the other hand, other indicators of Quality of life (Environmental and Independency) had improved due to repeated efforts to seek help in solving their problems. It seems that schizophrenic patients’ addiction does not affect caregivers’ quality of life indicators.

The aim of this study was to compare personality traits based on the temperament and character inventory (TCI) in opiate and stimulant users of Yasuj. In this descriptive –comparative study, 115 persons (91 opiate substance users and 24 stimulant substance users) were selected by simple and convenient sampling from persons who were admitted to substance abuse treatment centers (MMT centers), addiction treatment camps and self-help groups and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) of Yasuj. Subjects were controlled for age. The data collection tool was the ‘Temperament and Character Inventory’ (TCI). Data were analyzed by SPSS using Levene’s test, ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The findings showed significant differences in Novelty seeking, Harm avoidance, Persistence, Cooperativeness, Self-directiveness, and Self-transcendence between opiate and stimulant users. In all the abovementioned subscales the mean values of stimulants were higher than opiates. There were no significant differences in subscales of personality traits based on age. Based on the mean values of the TCI, personality traits reflecting personality disorders are detectable and predictable in substance abusers. This is important in the prevention and treatment of addiction.

The aim of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral anger management group therapy for reducing wife abuse and increasing marital satisfaction in patients with substance abuse. A quasi-experimental study was conducted using the pretest-posttest design. The statistical population included all men with substance abuse who were attending drug addiction treatment centers in Tehran in 2013. Twelve patients with drug abuse that showed high levels of wife abuse and their spouses were randomly selected and equally placed in the experimental (N=6) and control (N=6) groups. Data were collected using ‘Ghahari and colleagues’ Wife Abuse Inventory’ and ‘ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale’. Data were analyzed by T-tests and ANCOVA. Findings indicated that, compared with the control group, cognitive-behavioral group therapy for anger management significantly reduced levels of wife abuse (p<0/01) and increased marital satisfaction (p<0/05, F: 12/36) among the experimental group. Cognitive-behavioral group therapy for anger management is effective in reducing wife abuse and increasing marital satisfaction in men with substance abuse.

To design appropriate content for an addiction-prevention curriculum from the viewpoint of teachers and students. In this survey 370 male and female students and 210 teachers were selected from Hamedan’s high schools through clustered randomized sampling. Eventually, 363 students and 200 teachers participated in the study. Two researcher-made questionnaires were used for data collection. Data were analyzed with Chi-square, Friedman and independent T tests. The highest level of agreement reached on the content was on these skills, in order of importance: the ability to say ‘no’ to others’ unreasonable demands, awareness of how friends can influence the desire to start or avoid addiction, and the ability to make decisions and interact with others. There was no significant difference among the three factors of causes, harms and prevention and they were all reported to be of equal importance. However, having compared the means, significant differences were found between the two groups of teachers and students and also between males and females. Teachers and students believed that the inclusion of drug education in high school textbooks is important, especially regarding the topics agreed.

This paper aims at evaluating and selecting the most suitable detoxification method among the following four symptom method, replacement method, rapid opiate detoxification and ultra-rapid opiate detoxification. Thirty experts considered the four detoxification methods and rated the 7 criteria on a 1-9 scale -basis. Then, after making a decision-making matrix, the four methods were prioritized and the best was chosen through the next six-stages of the TOPSIS technique. The replacement method was closer to positive criteria and more distant from negative ones in compare with other methods (Ci =0.653446). According to these findings, the replacement method turned out to be the most suitable method of detoxification.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has put prevention of HIV among drug abusing Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan and returnees to Afghanistan on its agenda in the form of a joint project and in the framework of its bi/multilateral collaborations with the United Nations Office on Crime and Drug Control and its neighboring countries. In this project, community based services are offered through: peer education, condom use promotion and distribution, primary health care, including treatment of infectious abscesses, needle and syringe programs, opiate replacement therapy, referral to voluntary counseling and HIV testing centers, referrals in cases of antiretroviral therapy, psychological, social and laboratory services, and, treatment of tuberculosis, hepatitis C and hepatitis B. In order to monitor and evaluate the first implementation phase of this project that was conducted as a pilot in four DIC centers in Mashhad and Varamin, one year after initiation of the program in 2011, a focus group discussion was conducted. The FGD was conducted in the presence of 10 experts, directors and managers of this program on January 19th 2011 in the Administration Office of ‘Iran Drug Control Headquarters’ Treatment and Social Support Unit. The present paper is a qualitative assessment of the weaknesses, strengths, and challenges of the program, based on the experts’ views and opinions. Positive changes in these objectives are achieved, including: raising awareness of refugees, high risk behaviors reduction such as sharing needles and reducing risky sexual relationships, increasing HIV testing and identification of carriers and referring them to treatment centers. The project of U.N. office on Crime and Drug Control is appropriate solution to the challenges on prevention and treatment services and harm reduction of addiction with an emphasis on HIV infection in Afghan refugees in Iran.