Factors Effective on the Decision to Quit among Substance Abusers: A Qualitative Study

Addiction is a problem of the modern world. In dealing with this problem، the approach of effective treatment is very important. One of the important issues in curing addiction is factors effective on the decision to quit. The aim of this study has been to explore effective factors on the decision to quit among substance abusers. This study is a part of a bigger one، which is a qualitative study undertaken with grounded theory approach. The Participants were 22 individuals (including 16 males and 6 females) who were substance abusers. Participants were selected using purposeful sampling and maximum variation. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews and semi-structural questions. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis method. Two main categories were explored in this study. The first is «the need to survive» which includes three subcategories: 1- to get tired from the current condition، 2- to feel threatened، and 3- to reach the end of the line. The second category is «to set foot on the path» which includes two subcategories: 1- recourse to spirituality، and 2- searching for information. The results of this study show that deciding to quit drugs there are both facilitator and inhibitor factors. Therefore، it is necessary that governments and addiction treatment institutes provide social services on addiction by focusing on gender differences and education on quitting complications. In this way، they can make families show more compassion and support، and increase motivation for treatment and reduce the feeling of frustration in drug abusers. In addition، attention to spirituality as a facilitator factor on the decision to quit and completing the path to recovery through families and addiction treatment centers is of great importance.