The correlation between personality traits and psychological craving in methamphetamine addicts

Abstract

Objective To explore the correlation between personality characteristics and psychological craving in methamphetamine addicts, and to provide theoretical basis and empirical experience for the prevention of relapse. Methods Cattell 16 personality factor questionnaire and drug craving questionnaire were administered to 315 cases of methamphetamine addicts, to understand the personality factor of methamphetamine addicts, psychological craving for drugs in the period of detoxification.Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between personality traits and psychological craving. Results Intelligence(1.13±2.86), stability(4.57±1.42), perseverance(3.39±2.20), independence (4.16±1.39)and self-discipline (4.81±1.78)of methamphetamine addicts were significantly lower than the norm (P<0.01), while the strength(7.01±1.96), bravity(6.83±1.54), sensitivity(6.18±1.81), suspicion(6.31±2.08), fantasy(8.98±1.32), anxiety(6.33±2.00) and tension(6.21±2.14) were significantly higher than the norm (P<0.01). The total average score of craving for methamphetamine addicts was (3.36±1.85). The correlation between the total average score of craving and intelligence (r=-0.201, P<0.01), stability (r=-0.275, P<0.01), constant (r=-0.184, P<0.05), dominance (r=0.269, P<0.01), bravity (r=0.210, P<0.01), anxiety (r=0.259, P<0.01), independent (r=-0.254, P<0.01) were significant. Conclusion Methamphetamine addicts are significantly different from ordinary people's personality traits, physiological withdrawal period still exists a certain degree of psychological craving for drugs.The stability of personality has a negative predictive effect on craving, while aggressiveness has a positive predictive effect on craving. Key words: Methamphetamine; Addict; Personality traits; Psychological craving; Relapse