A Comparison of Personality Characteristics and Social Support of Successful and Unsuccessful Addicts in Quitting Addiction

The aim of the present study is to compare personality characteristics and social support of successful and unsuccessful addicts in quitting addiction. In this causal-comparative research 50 successful addicts in quitting addiction, and 50 unsuccessful addicts were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using NEO personality questionnaire and Procidano and Heller perceived social support (family and friends). The results indicated that those addicts who were successful in quitting addiction, in comparison with those addicts who were not successful in quitting addiction, scored lower on Neuroticism and scored higher in Agreeableness and Conscientiousness and perceived more social support from their family. There was no significant difference in perceived social support friends level between the groups. Personality characteristics and social support from family are two important factors that can play an effective role in the success or failure of quitting addiction and it is advised that these factors be brought to more attention in educational interventions.