EFFECTIVE FACTORS OF DRUG AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCE TENDENCIES IN WOMEN REFERRED TO ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTERS AFFILIATED TO THE WELFARE OFFICE IN TEHRAN

Drug dependence is a social issue and women as half the population are involved with it. The foundation of societies and families depends on the health of all people, especially women. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting the tendency for narcotics and psychotropic substances among women referred to the Welfare office in Tehran.

 A causal-comparative study was conducted on all drug-dependent and non-drug dependent women referred to the Welfare office and Quds clinic in Tehran. A sample of 150 patients in the case group and 150 subjects in the control group were selected. The data gathering tool was a researcher-made 2-part questionnaire. The first part of the questionaire was about demographic characteristics, and the second part was about the 5 causes of narcotics and psychotropic substance tendencies. The validity and reliability of the questionaire was confirmed. Data were analyzed using the t-test and Chi-square.

Findings showed that addicted women were more likely to havephysical illnesses (back pain) and mental illnesses (depression, irritability anxiety, severe anger. Also, with regard to behavioral attributes, they had positive attitude towards drugs, had low self-esteem, suffered emotional deficits, and they had inability to adapt to problems. Also, family causes showed that family members were addicted, unrestrained, tense, and also intense family sensitivity was observed among these women.. Furthermore, with regard to social causes lack of access to healthy recreation, lack of recreational and service facilities - counseling, having addicted friends were observed among addicted women.Cultural causes showed academic stress).

Women’s addiction has an irreparable damage to the individual, family, and society. Discovering the factors affecting the drug tendency in women can prevent many social and health problems in society.