Psychosocial Determinants of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Abstract

This study examines several psychological and social factors in predicting alcohol and drug abuse. A sample of 211 participants was obtained distributed into two groups (abusers, n=117, non abusers, n= 94). Psychological and Social Functioning Scale was employed to predict Self Esteem, Depression, Anxiety, Decision Making Confidence, Childhood Problems, Hostility, Risk Taking, and Social Conformity. Type of substance abuse and some other demographic variables were implicit. Results indicated that childhood problems, self esteem and decision making confidence were the main predictors of alcohol and drug abuse. Furthermore, results show differences in psychological and social functions in regards to age and substance abuse type.