The Diagnostic Role of Distress Tolerance, Metacognition, Sensation Seeking, and Perceived Social Disorganization in Methamphetamine, Opium, and Alcohol users

This study aimed to determine the diagnostic role of multiple dimensions of distress tolerance, metacognition, sensation seeking, and perceived social disorganization in methamphetamine, opium, and alcohol users.

This research was conducted by a causal-comparative method in Tehran in 2020. 135 drug users were selected as a convenience sample in three groups: methamphetamine (n= 45), alcohol (n= 45), and opium (n= 45). The multidimensional scale of distress tolerance, the metacognitive beliefs scale, the sensation seeking scale, and the social disorganization questionnaire were used to collect data. Discriminant function analysis method was used to analyze the data.

The results of discriminant function analysis with four variables of distress tolerance, metacognition, sensation seeking, and social disorganization showed that this analysis correctly categorized 62.2% of the opium group, 51.1% of the methamphetamine group, and 42.2% of the alcohol group. In general, the results of this study showed that opium users had higher positive metacognitive beliefs than methamphetamine and alcohol users, and methamphetamine users had the highest level of experience seeking compared to alcohol and opium users. Also, opium users showed lower distress tolerance than methamphetamine and alcohol users. In addition, none of the perceived indicators of social disorganization could distinguish the three groups of drug users.

The variables of distress tolerance, metacognition, sensation seeking, and perceived social disorganization have a significant role in distinguishing and diagnosing the three groups of methamphetamine, opium, and alcohol users. Therefore, providing strategies to change the positive beliefs of substance users, reducing the level of experience seeking, and controlling emotion and tolerance in these people can be useful in preventing and treating substance abuse.