Background: Drug abuse presents a critical societal challenge, impacting individuals, families, and society at large. Previous research has identified numerous individual, social, and familial factors influencing drug preference. This study focuses on distinguishing between industrial (including hashish, heroin, crack, cocaine, amphetamine, methadone, and buprenorphine) and non-industrial drugs (juice and opium) among clients seeking treatment at a drug abuse center in Tabriz.
Methods: This retrospective descriptive-analytical study involved 401 individuals using both industrial and non-industrial drugs. Data collection employed standard forms, questionnaires, and admission interviews at the treatment center in Tabriz.
Results: Significant correlations were found between educational level (p=0.000, correlation coefficient=0.24), marital status (p=0.000, correlation coefficient=0.35), age at initial visit (p=0.000, correlation coefficient=0.40), family problems (p=0.000, correlation coefficient=0.16), and duration of drug use (p=0.011, correlation coefficient=0.40) with drug type preference. Gender, age at first drug use, and duration of drug use did not show significant correlations. The predominantly male sample (98%) highlights the need for gender-balanced studies.
Conclusion: Findings underscore significant associations between educational attainment, marital status, age at initial visit, familial issues, and duration of drug use with drug type preference. Industrial drug users tend to have higher education levels and face more familial challenges, while non-industrial drug users are more often married and initiate treatment at a later age.