Psychosocial factors influencing drug use : a profile of the Maltese drug user in a treatment setting

Abstract

Adopting a quantitative approach, this study engaged in secondary analysis of data collected via the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), a standardized questionnaire administered to clients entering rehabilitation. The study identifies psychosocial factors associated with drug abuse, as well as building the profile of the average problem drug user. Various factors were uncovered contributing to a comprehensive description of the average drug user within a treatment setting. These findings show the importance of the individual's personal experience with regards to their drug abuse and highlight the fact that treatment should be centred around dealing with these experiences in an attempt to get to the roots of their addiction.