Evaluation of Sociodemographic Determinants in Narcotic Users Referring to Center for Methadone Maintenance Therapy of Yazd, Iran

Introduction: Addiction is a habit or behavior that is often hard to quit. It is estimated that 190 million persons are substance users around the world. Substance abuse creates tolerance after a while. Shortly after taking the drug, a person will not enjoy as the beginning of its use; that is why the amount of substance used is gradually increased. The purpose of this study was to find the reasons of tendency to narcotics among addicted individuals referred to methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) center in Yazd. Materials & Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytic study on 100 addicts referred to methadone maintenance treatment center (MMT) in Yazd. Data was collected by a pre-designed questionnaire with acceptable validity and reliability. Data was analyzed using SPSS statistical software and employing descriptive statistics such as percentage, ratio, mean, standard deviation and statistical tests such as t-test and chi- square was performed. Results: 41.9 % of addicts were unemployed, 4.77% married and 5.64% had elementary education. The most common method of substance consumption was inhalation (2.40%). Heroin was the most frequent type of substance used (1/51%) The relationship between marital status and type of substance used, and age of onset of drug use was significant. The frequency of substance consumption was significantly different regarding the history of drug use in father, brother and spouses of patients in both sexes. Conclusion: Results of the current study showed that subjects at an early age (adolescence and early adulthood), individuals with low educational status, those with unstable jobs and low income, presence of addicted individuals among first-degree relatives can be the causes leading to addiction in the community.