Objective: The aim of this study is the assessment of knowledge and attitude of a group of Armenians residing in Tehran, toward addiction and illicit drugs.
Method: The study was carried out on 47 Armenian participants selected from an addiction prevention workshop in May 2007 in Tehran. All Christians living in Tehran were systematically informed about the workshop.
Results: Hopelessness, psychological problems, availability of drugs and relationship with drug users were considered by the participants to be major factors for the initiation of drug abuse. The majority believed craving, lack of sufficient family support, and an ongoing relationships with drug abusers to be the most important factors involved in relapse. They also regarded treatment follow-ups and counseling with rehab centers as the most important factors in the prevention of relapse in treated drug abusers. Most participants had adequate knowledge about the available drugs and their hazardous effects on the society.
Conclusion: Regarding the prevalence of drug addiction in religious minorities, psychologists and school counselors ought to teach the adolescent students of those communities, the ways to deal with addiction and illicit drugs, so as to provide them with higher knowledge and more correct attitude towards addiction and drugs.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Special Received: 2008/03/17 | Accepted: 2008/04/20 | Published: 2008/06/21