Perceiving the effects of demographical variables on psychological, social, and motivational performance of drug users may lead to better treatment protocols. The relationship between the demographical variables of drug users and their social, psychological, and motivational performance was examined. Gender was effective in depression score of the participants – i.e. an aspect of psychological performance- so that it was higher in women than men. In general, gender was effective in psychological performance of drug users so that female drug addicts, being more sensitive than men, were more vulnerable to psychological damages. This finding was more consistent with other studies (9, 21). However, the effect of gender on social performance of the drug users was not significant.
Education level of the participants was effective in their confidence in decision making -i.e. an aspect of psychological performance. In general, however, the effect of education level on psychological and social performance was not significant. Domicile was another variable under study and it was effective in the level of violent behavior -i.e. an aspect of social performance. That is, city dwellers were less violent than those living in rural areas. One probable reason for this is that the latter group live in a smaller community and they feel more pressure by their society for being a drug addict. In general, and consistent with Poudel et al. (2016) (22), the small sample group of rural dwellers and the considerable level of interactions between villages and cities in Iran can explain this finding.
Job was another effective factor in psychological and social performance. That is, those who had a job had a better social and psychological performance than those without a job. The results showed that job was effective in the participants’ self-esteem, depression, and anxiety (psychological performance) and risk-taking attitudes (social performance). This is consistent with other studies(3, 9). Many studies have shown that having a decent job is an effective factor in enabling the care-seekers (21) and it can improve their physical and psychological performance (3, 5, 13, 21).
Marital status was effective in self-esteem, depression, and anxiety (psychological performance); so that the unmarried individuals had a better psychological performance. This finding is consistent with other studies like (9, 14). Risk-taking attitude and social adaptability in the married individual was higher than the others; which is consistent with Gyawali and Sarkar (2016) (23).
Individuals with a higher income had higher self-esteem and confidence in decision making. They also had lower anxiety and depression (psychological performance). Moreover, drug users with higher income had a fewer childhood problems, were less violent, and were more socially adaptable. To explain this, a better economic condition attenuates social problems and improves the quality of life (15). Socioeconomic condition of family and proper family support (14) can be effective in self-esteem, happiness(24), and even the quality of life (16) as they play a key role in treatment and prevention of relapse (9).
There was a negative relationship between age and psychological performance of care-seekers. That is, the older individuals had more psychological performance problems comparing with the younger subjects. In addition, the level of violence was lower in the older drug users. Number of children and the history of using drugs were of other variables effective in psychological performance of the subjects. These two variables had a negative relationship with psychological performance of the participants. Drug users with more children or a longer history of suing drugs had a lower psychological performance. These findings are consistent with Poudel et al. (2016) (22).
Demographical variables did not have a notable effect on motivation for treatment. Only marital status had a significant relationship with readiness for treatment; that is, unmarried individuals had more motivation for treatment. One probable reason is that unmarried addicts might have higher hopes for starting a new life. This finding is consistent with German et al. (2006) (17). Another explanation for this might be the fact that married drug users have to spend more time and money on the welfare of their children as the first priority of the family. In addition, desire for treatment was higher in the subjects who only used one type of drug; which is consistent with Targowski et al. (2004) (16). Another reason for this finding is that drug users who only use one type drug have a higher hope for rehabilitation. It appears, however, that the demographical variables are not very effective in the motivation for treatment. Probably, other factors including inner, personal, and family factors are more effective in the motivation for treatment.