فصلنامه سلامت اجتماعی و اعتیاد
پیاپی 9 (بهار 1395)

Risky behaviors are defined as behaviors that put physical, psychological, and social health and wellbeing of individuals and society at risk. Adolescence, a period associated with extensive physical, psychological, and social changes, is prone to initiation of risky behaviors, particularly as a result of egocentrism and lack of understanding of one’s behaviors. Adolescents’ tendency to various risky behaviors is a prime cause of concern in any society, because adolescents who have a higher tendency to risky behaviors, enjoy less academic achievement, have a higher level of inclination to suicide, and are at a higher risk of fatalities due to diseases associated with risky behaviors. The aim of the present research is a review of reasons for a tendency to risky behaviors on the part of adolescents. This research was carried out using library and documentary research methods and benefited from theories and research in the risky behaviors literature. On the whole, it can be concluded that an exact determination of influential factors contributing to a tendency for risky behaviors in adolescents, as well as drawing up programs and plans to prevent and control such behaviors are essentially important.

In this study, a systematic examination of evidences on the efficacy of preventive interventions, early interventions, harm reduction interventions, and treatment of tobacco and illegal drugs (cannabis, opioid, amphetamine, and cocaine) abuse in adolescents was carried out. Tax levies, general public prohibition, advertisement limitations, are useful tools to reduce tobacco use, but are of no avail for illegal drugs. Current evidence on school-based prevention is affected by methodological complications. Interventions that benefit from skills training, are more efficient with making individuals aware. Evidence indicating efficacy of social norms interventions and intensive interventions for reduction of drug use in adolescents is not considerable. Interventions used to reduce harms due to drug injection have an efficacy of average to high. However, more research must be done on adolescents. Insufficient access to information and data concerning the use of harmful drugs indicates a need for experimental interventions – already proved to be efficacious for adults. The current evidence is from countries with high GDP; this fact implies that using such evidence in countries and cultures with different age, sex, and risk vulnerability levels brings about uncertain results. More attempts have to be made to increase evidence on interventions aiming reduction of drug use in adolescents.

The main goal of this study was to review research carried out on prevalence of addiction in Iranian women, and examination of how and why they have been attracted to addiction. An absolute majority of research on addiction only report the total number of addicts, and there is no clear reference as to the number of addicted women. This meta-research makes use of library research method, and is based on pertinent theses, research projects, articles, books, and websites on the study of addiction prevalence. Findings in most researches indicate an increase in the number of female addicts. In addition, the most important reasons for women’s inclination to drug use are shown to be personality and psychological factors. The most frequently used substance among women has been Ecstasy. It appears that accurate statistics on the population of female addicts does not exist. Drug abuse is a great threat for women’s health, and can lead to irreparable harms. Although the number of female addicts is still lower compared to that of male ones, the population of female addicts has been recently on the rise. Given the parenting role of women as mothers in family and society, this has to be considered and taken care of more seriously than ever before.

The present study was conducted aiming at comparing suicidal ideation, characteristics associated with borderline personality disorder and aggressiveness based on the type of drug used. This is a descriptive research best categorized in causal-comparative research type. The sample of the study included 300 addicts who had referred to addiction treatment clinics in Semnan, and were selected based on convenience sampling method. Use was made of three Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ), Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and Borderline Personality Questionnaire (BPQ). The collected data and information were analyzed using multi-varaite analysis method. Findings from data analysis suggested that suicidal ideation, borderline personality features, and aggressiveness were higher in addicts using stimulant drugs compared to addicts using narcotic drugs or combination of various drugs. The finding of the study imply a significance of drug type in suicidal ideation, borderline personality characteristics, and aggressiveness, all associated with suicidal thoughts. Accordingly, careful consideration of the drug type used appears necessary in preventing suicide attempts.

Drug abuse has been a very complicated problem challenging humans and a complex phenomenon in modernity, such that drug abuse and addiction are now a great concern of humanity. This phenomenon has detrimental physical, mental, familial, occupational, financial, and ethical impacts. Prevention of addiction is thus a necessity. Given the high expenses incurred by fighting narcotics and drug abuse, treatment and rehabilitation of addicts, and a high rate of relapse, it is but logical that preventing drug abuse is much more economical and efficient. To achieve this, identifying risk factors and protective factors- factors against drug dependence- are essential. Recently, much research has been carried out on the etiology and prevention of drug abuse in Iran. This bulk of research has addressed a wide spectrum of associated factors including cognitive and physiological agents. In order to plan for enhancement of research activities in the future, assessment and categorization of results and findings is necessary. In this review, attempt has been made to collect a wide range of cognitive and physiological factors related to addiction in Iran in the last 20 years. This study offers perspectives to authorities, experts, and therapists on identification of contributing factors as well as comments on appropriate interventions.

Substance abuse disorder is define as frequent and abnormal use of drugs and/or alcohol often resulting in considerable distress and dysfunction in personal, social, and occupational activities. There are various treatment approaches to address substance abuse disorders. However, treatment of substance abuse disorders remains difficult, so much so that frequent relapses is a complicating feature of such disorders. The third wave of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) includes new approaches and methods potentially capable of addressing complex cases in substance abuse. The aim of the present research was to review from theoretical and research points of view the efficacy of ACT in treating substance abuse disorders. Use was made of library and documentary research methods. Based on theoretical and research principles, it might be stated that acceptance and commitment therapy is a promising intervention approach to cure substance abuse disorders. However, in order to enhance efficacy, a larger bulk of research making use of bigger samples and longer follow-up periods would be necessary. In addition, a careful study of treatment mechanism would be critical before a theoretical model and treatment protocol for substance abuse disorders could be formed. Finally, ACT is recommended as an influential intervention approach to remedy substance abuse disorders.

The risk of drug abuse relapse has always been a major concern complicating fight against addiction. The process of relapse starts when thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of the individual in the process of recovery are diverted and become illogical again. The relapse process often includes activation of the denial system as an inflexible defense mechanism, tendency for isolation, negative judgments, inappropriate decision making, failure to cope with problems, and re-existence of life pressures, and stress. Hence, this complication has always been a focus of attention and concern for experts as well as addicts and their families. On this basis, planning and attempts to reduce the severity of the problem has to be called to attention as part of addiction prevention programs. We have frequently heard news of an increasing number of addicts in spite of all treatment programs and attempts to bring addicts back to normal life. Experts see the main reason for such failures the high frequency of relapse. Therefore, addressing the stubborn issue of relapse is a necessity in addiction treatment, and is essential in the process of addiction control in our country. The aim of this review was to examine addictive behavior relapse and pertinent contributing factors, as well as approaches to help avoid more relapses.