Structural Modeling of Family Function and Drug Craving in Addicted People under Methadone Maintenance Treatment with an Emphasis on the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion

The present study aimed at the structural modeling of family function and drug craving in addicted people under methadone maintenance treatment with the emphasis on the mediator role of self-compassion.
This research is a correlational study in which path analysis method has been used to examine structural connections between the variables. The statistical population of this research consisted of the addicts who were under methadone maintenance treatment in Ahvaz outpatient treatment centers under the supervision of welfare organization (Behzisti) in 2017. Among them, 150 individuals have been selected based on acceptance criteria and cluster sampling method. These participants were selected in line with the inclusion criteria and responded to Family Assessment Device, Self-Compassion Scale, and Drug Craving Questionnaire. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software programs.
The results demonstrated the adequate precision of the model in which family function directly predicted drug craving. In addition, family function (unhealthy) also indirectly and more precisely predicted drug craving via the mediating role of self-compassion.
According to the findings of this research, family function and self-compassion are contributing factors to drug craving. Thus, it is essential to pay heed to the role of family function and its correlates during the process of methadone maintenance treatment.