Psycho-Social Factors among Individual’s With Substance Use Disorder: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Young adults have many risky behaviors one of the most common phenomenon is substance use. Most of the researches in Pakistan are concerned with substance use among men. However there is an increase in females abusing substance currently. The present study aimed to explore the psycho social factors which includes: role of peers, family involvement, personality traits, influence of society, marital issues, and decision making styles among individuals with substance use disorder in a qualitative manner. Fifteen substance addicts (age range 18-30 years) were taken as a sample from drug rehabilitation centers (Shifa Caring and Medical Center, Nai Roshni) in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. A semi-structured research guide including open ended questions was administered related to the individual's involvement toward substance, pre-addiction self of individual, relationship with family and friends, and modes of communication within the family, also their decision making styles were explored. In depth interviews were taken in Urdu with the consent of the participants. Data was analyzed through qualitative and quantitative method. Qualitative method includes content analysis in which summative content approach was use. After transcribing and get familiar with data, coding and meaning to that coding were given and themes were generated. Themes revealed the significant reasons for starting addiction were the company of peers, husband, gym trainer, and curiosity. Analysis also revealed lack of parental involvement, high parental expectations, suppressed home environment were major components in family factors. It was found that for social acceptance, learned behavior, societal pressure, positive information about substance through social circle and availability of drugs in social settings. Also revealed that females who were married, forcefully involved into drugs by husband, marital conflicts were major causes toward individuals with substance use disorder. It was also found that the major life decisions of the participants were also responsible for their substance taking behavior. Quantitative analysis was interpreted through summative and graphical representation of given data. There is a need for population-based studies to determine other correlates of substance abuse among young adults in Pakistan. Parents, teachers, school setup and public health agencies should be alert to this rising epidemic of substance abuse among youth. Considering all these psycho social factors, this study will be helpful for the rehabilitation centers designing treatment plan for female substance addiction.