Author/Authors :
Amirabadi, Bahareh Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran , Alibeigi, Neda University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Nikbakht, Mohammad Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran , Massah, Omid Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran , Farhoudian, Ali Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran , Doostian, Younes Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran
Abstract :
According to the gateway drug theory, tobacco use is a predisposing factor for future
substance abuse. This study was conducted to compare nicotine and opiate dependents to identify the
differences between their personality traits and psychopathology that makes them turn to other substances
after cigarette smoking.
Methods: A causal-comparative study was conducted. Three groups were randomly selected: nicotine
dependents, opiate dependents and ordinary individuals (non-dependent population). Cloninger’s
Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, Maudsley
Addiction Profile, the Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory were used to collect data.
Analysis of variance was used to analyze data.
Results: Opiate dependents had higher ‘novelty seeking’ and lower ‘cooperativeness’ scores as compared
to the other two groups. They also had higher anxiety and depression scores than the other two groups.
Discussion: Higher ‘novelty seeking’ and lower ‘cooperativeness’ scores are important personality traits
predicting future substance abuse.
Keywords :
Opiate substances , Nicotine , Temperament , Character
