Anticipating the Effects of Substance Use Disorder Based on Severity of Addiction, Use in Family, Starting Age and Substance Type

Abstract

Background and Objective: People with substance use disorder suffer from various adverse effects in their everyday life and substance use disorders take heavy tolls on individuals and society. Therefore, this study aimed at anticipating the effects of substance use disorders based on severity of addiction, substance use in family, starting age, and the drug type. Materials and Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted in 2017 with participation of 281 people with substance use disorders who lived in camps, prisons, addicts’ dormitories and were chosen by convenience sampling method. Participants filled the questionnaire of demographic information; Leeds’ Dependence Questionnaire and Drug Use Disorders Identification Test. Data were analyzed by Spss-23 by stepwise regression and analysis of variance. Results: The mean (SD) drugs use score based on Drug Use Disorders Identification Test was 27.3 (9.4), Leed’s dependence severity score was 9.3(3.2) and age of starting substance abuse was 20.1(6.4). Type of abused substance, dependence severity, starting age, and abuse in family all anticipated 51% variance of substance use disorders. Of anticipating variables, substance type (P<0.01), dependence severity (P<0.01), starting age (P<0.05), and use in family (P<0.01) are the best anticipated factors for substance use disorders. Conclusion: Substance use disorders can be anticipated by addiction severity, use in family, starting age, and type of drug. In addition, allocating financial resources to educational programs for families and improving awareness in schools are considered to be necessary measures to prevent substance use disorders.

Keywords

• Substance use disorders, Severity of addiction, Use in family, Start age, Type of drug