An Inquiry into the Relationship between Drug Users' Psychological Situations and Their Drug-Taking Behaviour.

Gabriel Kwun Wa Lee,T Wing Lo,Gloria Chan,Jerf W K Yeung,Cherry H L Tam,Xin Guan

doi:10.3390/ijerph182312730

Abstract

In view of the research gap whereby few studies have investigated the inner psychological situations underlying continuous drug use, this study used the Soulmate Scale to investigate the relationship between soulmate experience and drug-taking behaviour. Overall, 276 participants took part in this study. Results showed that soulmate experience was negatively related to drug-taking behaviour, which means that being psychologically attached to drugs and receiving comfort from them encourages dependency and a higher level of difficulty in quitting drugs. In addition, soulmate experience significantly mediated the effect of meaning of life and social isolation on drugs, suggesting that when such psychological bonding and sustenance can be developed in interpersonal relationships instead of drugs, drug users are likely to develop the meaning of life and a lower sense of social isolation, and are more likely to quit drugs. The corresponding implications were discussed.

Highlights

IntroductionAccording to Ahad and colleagues’ study on youth participants recruited from drug rehabilitation centres, the two major problems experienced by the participants included ‘being neglected by relatives’ (88.09%) and ‘being neglected by their family members’ (73.81%) [4]
These results show that when one has not developed one’s identity and self-efficacy, found a purpose in life, and experienced a sense of social isolation, one will have a greater dependence on drugs as a soulmate, and vice versa
Using the Soulmate Scale [12], this study helps enrich the knowledge base regarding the investigation of the psychological experience of drug users, and the underlying psychological factors affecting their drug-taking behaviour, as well as their tendency to quit drugs

Summary

Introduction

According to Ahad and colleagues’ study on youth participants recruited from drug rehabilitation centres, the two major problems experienced by the participants included ‘being neglected by relatives’ (88.09%) and ‘being neglected by their family members’ (73.81%) [4] This kind of neglect gave them a sense of social alienation, which instigated them to take drugs continuously [4]. 1071); and (3) the sceptical attitude, distrust, and rejection by significant others (e.g., spouses and family members) and the neighbourhood, in spite of their willingness to adapt a good, healthy life These results show that it is their need for support and acceptance by other people and the frustration and loneliness experienced as a result of social isolation that underlies continuous drug use

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion