Search

Abstract Background Elimination of psychological dependence to substance is more difficult than elimination of physical dependence, and needs to time, going through several stages, and internal care. The aim of this study was to exploring the factors related to treatment retention in Narcotics Anonymous members. Methods In a qualitative study and by individual interview, 12 recovered participants were interviewed. The participants were substance user, whom recovered for more than two years. The data were gathered by purposeful sampling and through recording and transcribing interviews. Data analysis were done by qualitative content analysis through three steps: conceptualization, interview and data analysis. Results After analyzing data, two main categories had emerged: “personal-psychological” and “social” factors. Personal-psychological" factors includes: self-knowledge, change of attitude, self-confidence, consistency in treatment, living in the moment and “social” factors include interaction with others, group of sympathizers, reformation of social and familial relationships, reclaiming the social position, supports received from others, and supports received from the generalized network. Conclusion Recovered individuals are in need to emotional supports and reclaiming their positions in the family and society play an important role in their treatment retention. Keeping the Substance users away from drugs is not the basic step of substance use treatment, but the necessary supports and special cares should be given to the Substance users after elimination of physical attachment, so that the psychological dependence can be eliminated as well.

Narcotic Anonymous’ is a global organization with millions of members that has helped countless addicts in avoiding drugs through a spiritual recovery program. The present research aims to study the role of spirituality dimensions (meaning in life, the effect of relationship with God, spiritual development and activity, transcendent mystical experiences, spiritual negative experience, social-religious activities) in predicting the coping styles (task-oriented, avoidance-oriented, emotional-oriented) among the members of the Narcotic Anonymous. In this correlational study, 96 male members of the NA in the city of Shahrood (20-40 years old with at least 6 mounts of withdrawal) were selected as the research sample. The spirituality experience and coping style questionnaires were carried out. The data were analyzed using simultaneous regression analysis. The results showed that spirituality dimensions significantly predicted the task-oriented and avoidance- oriented coping styles. From among spirituality subscales, the effect of relationship with God and transcendent spiritual experiences accounted for 33% of the variance of task-oriented and 20% of the variance of avoidance-oriented coping styles. It seems that spirituality enhancement among the members of the Narcotic Anonymous may develop the coping styles by which individuals could avoid using opiates.

Introduction: Narcotic Anonymous (NA), and related 12-steps program have predominant influence on drug abuse treatment programs. The aim of this study was to compare coping styles and hope among Narcotic Anonymous and Methadone Maintenance Treatment members. Method: In this causal-comparative study, 100 male (50: NA, 50: MMT. Age: 20-40, minimal clean: 6 mounth), from Shahrood city completed coping styles scale, and hope scale. Findings: Results showed that Mean scores of Agency thinkig, Task-oriented copig style, and Avoidance-oriented coping style, in NA members was significantly high, from MMT members. Also, results of Discriminant Analisis showed that comparative differences between this samples were highlited in compound of variables. Conclusion: It seems that actively attendance in NA may enhances effective Coping style and hope.

Background: Elimination of psychological dependence to substance is more difficult than elimination of physical dependence, and needs to time, going through several stages, and internal care. The aim of this study was to exploring the factors related to treatment retention in Narcotics Anonymous members.Methods: In a qualitative study and by individual interview, 12 recovered participants were interviewed. The participants were substance user, whom recovered for more than two years. The data were gathered by purposeful sampling and through recording and transcribing interviews. Data analysis were done by qualitative content analysis through three steps: conceptualization, interview and data analysis.Results: After analyzing data, two main categories had emerged: "personal-psychological" and "social" factors. Personal-psychological" factors includes: self-knowledge, change of attitude, self-confidence, consistency in treatment, living in the moment and "social" factors include interaction with others, group of sympathizers, reformation of social and familial relationships, reclaiming the social position, supports received from others, and supports received from the generalized network.Conclusion: Recovered individuals are in need to emotional supports and reclaiming their positions in the family and society play an important role in their treatment retention. Keeping the Substance users away from drugs is not the basic step of substance use treatment, but the necessary supports and special cares should be given to the Substance users after elimination of physical attachment, so that the psychological dependence can be eliminated as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]