Understanding the process of addiction by drawing the class position of substance abusers (presenting a grounded theory)

The aim of this study was to investigate life experiences and socio-economic status of two groups of drug abusers hospitalized in the clinic and living in the greenhouse.

The present study was conducted with a qualitative approach and with a background method. An in-depth interview was conducted on 36 substance abusers. Sampling was theoretical and data collection continued until theoretical saturation. Data were analyzed by coding via Strauss and Corbin method.

Unhealthy socialization, recreational consumption, internal stimuli, reciprocal rejection, institutional inequality, multiple poverty, defective welfare system, disgust with the current situation, duality and emotional-behavioral conflict, norm-breaking, psychological and social collapse and the formation of a secondary community were the most important categories in the present study.

Substance abuse is associated with "behavioral-emotional divergence and convergence" and "social exclusion". That is, the abuser experiences a kind of disengagement (separation) from society during his or her substance-dependent lifestyle. In-depth study on the status of substance abusers in the social structure, the study of the most appropriate treatment methods, and also the availability of medical services for all substance abusers to improve and follow the treatment processes are among the items that should be included in addiction prevention and treatment policies.