An investigation of demographic and familial characteristics of addicted soldiers

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science

Abstract

Aims: Young people of our society, especially soldiers are at risk of substance abuse, due to various reasons. The aim of this study is to identify related demographic and familial characteristics of addicted soldiers to prevent the spread of addiction.
Method: This is a descriptive research and statistic population includes 1025 Iranian soldiers who were doing national service at the time of conducting current study (2010-2011). They were selected by quota sampling method. Data gathering was done by addiction screening questionnaire, Addiction Severity Index (ASI), military duty status, and demographic questionnaire.
Results: Strong tendency to drug abuse and multi-substance abuse were observed in unemployed soldiers. Tendency for multi-substance abuse were much stronger among people who had illegal revenues (69.6%). Tendency towards alcohol and multi-substance abuse was more common among people who lived separated from family and who had a history of temporary marriage, divorce and separation. Tendency for drug abuse was more prevalent in people with large families. Moreover, tendency to alcohol, drugs and multiple drug abuse were stronger in soldiers having a history of psychological or physical conditions.
Conclusion: Factors such as unemployment, illegal income, separation, divorce and temporary marriage, living separated from family, intimate relationships outside of the family, serious problems in familial relationships, spending leisure time without family and a background of psychological illness were correlated significantly with the type of drug used. By controlling flexible factors, we can prevent continuation or escalation of drug addiction.

Keywords

Journal of Military Medicine
Volume 15, Issue 3 - Serial Number 53
November and December 2013
Pages 201-208

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