Relationship between Perceived Stress and Severity of Substance Dependency: the Mediating Role of Spirituality, Sense of Coherence, and Coping Strategies

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.
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.
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.
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.