INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CRIMINAL BACKGROUND AND THE TENDENCY TOWARD SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN PATIENTS UNDER METHADONE MAINTENANCE THERAPY

Background and Aim : The relationship between substances abuse and crime is a very complex process, which requires more accurate studies. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the criminal background and substance abuse tendency in patients under methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). Methods : In this case-control study, 250 patients under MMT of eligible and referred to Gholabchi Clinic affiliated to Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, and 250 matched in age and sex controls from healthy people were selected through systematic random sampling method. Data gathering were performed through a questionnaire and taking interview. T-test, chi square and logistic regression were used as data analysis process.Results : 73.7% of patients under MMT and 29.4% of control group have a history of alcoholic drinks (P < 0.05). Crude odds ratio of a having history of arrest and prisoning was respectively 4.23 (CI: 2.17-5.23) and 7.12 (CI: 4.13-9.18) that was statistically significant. Crude odds ratio of having illegal sexual relationship and injuries was respectively 0.06 (CI: 0.75-2.97) and 2.75 (CI: 1.13-5.02) that was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).Conclusion : According to mutual relation between addiction and some criminological characters of abusers, planning for identification of these relations, and designing preventive programs is necessary

Keywords:

Criminal background , Substance abuse , Addiction