Responsible of Socio-economic Factors with Addiction in Yazd, Iran: An Opinion Survey

BACKGROUND Addiction has a long history in Iran and it is one of the social problems that create psychological and social conflicts for addicts and their families. Addiction just like other social deviations affects young who are the most valuable assets of a nation. Recognition of socio-economic factors responsible for addiction can help planning and management of programs to fight against addiction. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire on 261 spouses of addicts referring to the detoxification centers of Yazd, Iran who were selected randomly. Their perspectives regarding factors thought to be effective in addiction were examined. Statistical tests included chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. FINDINGS Economic problems, divorce, marital problems, lack of familial supervision, unemployment, psychological and physical problems had a statistically significant relationship with the income of the family (P < 0.05), such that with an increase in income of the family these factors played a lesser significant role in addiction. CONCLUSION Control of surrounding factors and increase in self-esteem are two important factors that can help effectively control addiction in the young population. After addiction, though environmental and surrounding factors play a role in preventing return to addiction, their role is reduced.