While a number of Western personality and clinical psychologists have explored the adaptive functions of guilt-proneness in relation to a wide variety of behavioural patterns, the investigation of guilt-proneness in the Arabian-Islamic culture remains a neglected field Perhaps one reason for the absence of research dealing with guilt-proneness and its therapeutic application in the Arab world, and in the Saudi culture in particular, is the lack of an empirically-based measure of guilt-proneness. In this study, a new psychometric instrument, the Guilt-Proneness Scale (GPS), has been developed and used to investigate the role of guilt-proneness in inhibiting involvement in deviant behaviour with particular reference to juvenile illicit drug use and offending behaviour in Saudi Arabia. Exploratory factor analysis of the GPS (based on 214 Ss) has revealed three aspects of guilt-proneness phenomenon among Saudi subjects: (1) religious-related guilt (RG), (2) social-related guilt (SOG), and (3) self-oriented guilt (SG). The GPS total and these three subscales have demonstrated satisfactory levels of reliability in terms of both test-retest and internal consistency criteria. A confirmatory factor analysis examination using Structural Equation Modelling techniques (SEM), has confirmed this three-factor model for guilt-proneness. SEM was performed on the data of three subject groups: the first was 206 Ss., the second was 227 Ss., and the third (a combined group) was 433 Ss. Regarding the scale validation, the attempts to establish evidence of the criterion-related, construct, and disciminant validity of the GPS measure of guilt-proneness have been largely successful. The GPS has been utilised in investigating the role of guilt-proneness in inhibiting involvement in illicit drug taking and criminal behaviour of Saudi male juveniles. A study was conducted comparing individual differences in guilt-proneness between voluntarily admitted illicit drug patients (N = 64), convicted illicit drug users (N = 58), non-drug-abusing offenders (N = 71), and normal controls (N = 68). Based on a discussion of current theoretical and empirical approaches dealing with the relationship of guilt-proneness to involvement in illicit drug use and crime, a number of hypotheses were formed. It was hypothesised that: (H1) Normal subjects should manifest greater amount of religious-related guilt than would the voluntary drug abusers, convicted drug abusers, or offenders. (H2) Voluntarily admitted drug abusers should score higher on the three guilt-proneness subscales than would either the convicted drug abusers or the offender group. (H3) Guilt-proneness as measured by the GPS scales should be associated negatively with level of psychopathy. (H4) There should be significant differences in mean guilt-proneness scores among groups varying in their drug preference. (H5) Guilt-proneness in the offender group should be associated negatively with the number of convictions. (H6) The offenders who had committed violent crimes should display significantly lower level of guilt-proneness than those who had been involved in non-violent crimes. In addition to the these hypotheses, the interaction between guilt and selected variables was also examined. The analyses yielded promising results with regard to the measurement of individual differences in guilt predisposition between the groups tested. Both the convicted drug abusers and the non-drug-abusing offenders were marked by low susceptibility to experiencing guilt. Unlike the convicted drug abusers and the non-drug-abusing offenders, the voluntarily admitted drug abusing patients tended to maintain a healthy level of susceptibility to experiencing guilt which is postulated to be significantly influential in their decision to seek treatment. The normal controls manifested the highest religious-related guilt (RG) scale. The findings also revealed that the voluntarily admitted drug patients were distinguished from both the convicted drug takers and the non-drug-abusing offenders. However, no significant differences were found between the convicted drug takers or the offenders. An examination of the relationship of guilt-proneness to psychopathy indicated a significant negative correlation. This pattern of correlation, revealed for the first time for subjects of an Arabian culture, seems in line with most research exploring the relationship of guilt-proneness to psychopathy in Western juveniles. With regard to the examination of the individual difference in guilt-proneness between heroin users, alcohol users, and multi-drug users, it was found that all the three guilt-proneness scales differentiated significantly (p =<0.005) between the three groups of illicit drug taking. In addition, an examination of the relationship between level of guilt-proneness and experience with illicit drug use indicated that those newly involved in taking illicit drugs manifested significantly higher RG, SOG, and SG than the long-term users (p =<0.01). The results of the present study also showed that the RG, SOG, and SG scales differentiated significantly between the recidivists and first time offenders, and between offenders who had committed violent offences and those who had committed non-violent offences. Consistency of the effect of guilt-proneness in inhibiting involvement in deviant behaviour relating to the use of illicit drugs and commission of crimes, has been examined in a 33-month follow-up study. The follow-up study demonstrates that the re-admitted illicit drug patients had significantly lower GPS scores (p =<0.001) than those showing recovery from illicit drug dependence. The results derived by the follow-up also reveal an interesting relationship between relapse (readmission) and having low scores on the three GPS subscales. With regard to the offender group, the results demonstrated a significant correlation (p =<0.01) between the GPS scores of the Recidivists, taken at the time of the first and second testing with a 33 month interval. Hence evidence of the predictability of guilt-proneness as measured by the GPS scales, appears to be very promising. In general, the results of the comparison study as well as the follow-up study provide support for the positive role of guilt-proneness in inhibiting involvement in illicit drug taking and offending behaviour in the Saudi juveniles. In addition, these findings have demonstrated the effectiveness of the GPS as a measure of guilt and in predicting the occurrence of a particular class of behaviour. The final part of the present research was aimed at providing extended individual-case examples of use of the GPS. I have employed a personal construct theory approach through the use of the Repertory Grid technique. Individual GPS profiles, as well as Rep Grid data, were obtained for five in-patient illicit drug abusers and one incarcerated offender. Based on the use of cluster analysis, construct intercorrelation, and principal components analyses, the results of individual grids of each of the six cases were analysed. These demonstrated a pronounced and statistically significant agreement between GPS profiles and Rep Grid indicators of the individual's level of willingness to giving up the use of illicit drugs or involvement in crimes (p =<0.05). These findings demonstrate further the value of guilt-proneness in predicting the individual's response to rehabilitation. They clearly extend support for the GPS as a powerful and useful diagnostic tool. Its use in conjunction with the repertory grid technique with both drug abusers and criminal offenders seems very promising and encourages further research.

The aim of this thesis was to explore what challenges the Covid-19 pandemic has posed on residential drug rehabilitation practices in Sweden from the perceptions of the workers and how these challenges are managed. This was studied through three semi-structured qualitative interviews. The data collected from these interviews was analysed through thematic analysis and the theory of functionalism. The results found that recommendations such as social distancing could not be perfectly upheld within the residential familiar environments, but workers have found a way to adapt these recommendations to suit their clients and still minimize the spread of Covid-19 without risking the quality of the rehabilitative practices. This in addition to accepting the situation for what it is, helped to also minimize any fear of infection one may have had. The workers emphasised that the ways they manage challenges is more important than the challenges themselves.

Magister Scientiae (Occupational Therapy) - MSc(OT) / The growing phenomenon of drug abuse has alerted the attention of health professionals, addiction counsellors, school educators, the media and community members. Susceptible sub groups of the population such as adolescents have been seriously affected as addiction destroys their identities, health, daily performance, family structure and ultimately results in social disintegration. Consequently, rehabilitation facilities have been established and addicts are entering the treatment system via referrals from school principals, the judiciary court or desperate parents and family members. Despite this, after having spent a reasonable amount of time and money in rehabilitation centres, relapse rates are significantly high and addicts are returning to treatment. The question was then raised as to whether recurrent relapses were as a result of their occupational needs not being met in treatment. To understand whether the occupational needs of these recovering adolescents are met, a true client-centred approach was employed. A descriptive approach was used within a qualitative research paradigm. The participants that were selected from four drug rehabilitation facilities in the Cape Town Metropolis, included 8 recovering drug addicted adolescents, 2 rehabilitation workers employed at two different facilities, and a sum of 26 parents of recovering addicts. Purposeful sampling was used for the adolescents and rehabilitation workers while convenient sampling was used for the parents. To access the perspectives and perceptions of the participants the researcher used individual semi-structured interviews for the recovering adolescents and drug rehabilitation workers, and focus groups for the parents. The data was analysed thematically using Lincoln & Guba’s (1985) method of qualitative data analysis. All data was managed manually. The objectives of the study explored perceptions of drug addicted adolescents with regard to relapse, to describe the barriers with regard to drug rehabilitation and their occupational needs, to reveal facilitators with reference to the recovery process, and to present suitable strategies which may improve drug treatment practice. Three themes were constructed based on the findings of the study. The themes were: 1) easy to get in, difficult to get out, 2) breakdown on life caused by drug addiction, and 3) moving forward towards recovery. Since adolescence is known as a transitional period characterised by identity development, adolescents are naturally influenced by their social and physical environment, particularly their peer groups at school and in the community. Consequently, adolescents enter treatment with numerous physical, psychological, social, intrapersonal, and legal needs. The constant pursuit of drugs and its lifestyle leads to dysfunction and imbalance in the individual’s daily performances with relapse remaining a common element in the recovery process. The lack of knowledge from participants pertaining to the concept of relapse was perceived as a barrier to recovery. The physical and social environment such as the general availability and accessibility of drugs in adolescent’s community, the unfavourable influence that peers and family relationships play, organisational challenges such as staff handling principles regarding their developmental stage and ineffective communication within the rehabilitation centre, and personal barriers including manipulative and behavioural difficulties, emerged as contra-indicative to the recovery process. Many of the recovering drug addicted adolescents were unable to cope with the array of needs and triggers, and found themselves relapsing and returning to the rehabilitation facility. Among the many facilitators as perceived by the participants, the actual programme at the rehabilitation centre was significant in promoting progress. If it included education groups, where clients are taught about substance abuse, relapse and how to restructure their lifestyle of recovery, it was deemed as beneficial. Another facilitator highlighted by the participants was the involvement of family by incorporating parent support sessions, and an interesting factor suc Recommendations for the study included that adolescents who abuse substances need to be treated very differently to adults or children, and that maintaining communication or a connection with them via aftercare for example, will enable them to sustain their sobriety outside of the rehabilitation facility. Since addiction affects the individual’s identity, roles, and habits on an occupational performance level it is paramount that treatment should be addressed from an occupation-based perspective in collaboration with existing evidence-based addiction models. Occupational therapists are uniquely equipped to deal with these components. h as including spirituality as a resource was raised as valuable in their recovery process.

Drug addiction is at crisis level in the United States. Nurses caring for persons affected by substance use disorder (SUD) have a resource in Mr. Ming Ho Liu's testimony on Good TV (Taiwan)—translated and summarized in this article—of his addiction experiences and successful treatment at Operation Dawn, a Christian drug rehabilitation center. Recovery from SUD is possible by God's power. In Mr. Liu's case, his recovery was accomplished without medication.

Darbas skirtas priklausomybės liga sergančio asmens ir jo santykio su reabilitacinėje bendruomenėje taikomu gydymo modeliu problemai nagrinėti. Jame siekiama išsiaiškinti kodėl gydymą reabilitacinėje bendruomenėje prieš laiką nutraukia didelė dalis asmenų bei kas įtakoja tokį jų sprendimą. Darbo objektu pasirinkus gydymo modelio bei priklausomybės ligomis sergančių žmonių santykį, siekiama atsakyti, kiek sprendimas likti ar ne bendruomenėje priklauso nuo tiriamos sistemos (asmens) ir jį supančios aplinkos (gydymo modelio) tarpusavio sąveikų bei kiek įtakos šiam sprendimui turi ligos pobūdis ir asmeninės charakterio savybės. Pirmoje darbo dalyje stengiamasi išsiaiškinti koks yra priklausomybe sergantis žmogus bei kokį poveikį jam ir jo elgesiui daro priklausomybė. Išsiaiškinta, kad priklausomybė - nepagydoma liga, su kuria kovoti ir nuo kurios gydytis tenka visą likusį gyvenimą. Nėra pilno pasveikimo, yra tik palaikomasis priklausomybės ligų gydymas. Toliau nagrinėjami gydymo proceso metu su sergančiu asmeniu sąveikaujantys gydymo modeliai. Išsamesnei analizei pasirinkta, geriausiais pasiekimais alkoholizmo gydymo srityje galinti pasigirti, Anoniminių alkoholikų draugija. Aptariami joje taikomo gydymo modelio veikimo principai. Trečiame darbo skyriuje aprašomi galimi sergančio asmens ir gydymo modelio tarpusavio sąveikos rezultatai. Pastebėta, kad „nesusikalbėjimo“ tarp gydymo modelio ir besigydančio asmens priežastys gali būti siejamos su gydymo modelio ir ligos poveikyje... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / This study analyzes the problem in the relationship between the treatment model and addicts problem dealing with the addict and his relationship with he treatment model used in the rehabilitation center. The objective of the study is to determine why a large percentage of people stop their treatment in the rehab prematurely and what influences their decision. Since the object of the study is the relationship between the treatment model and the addict, the study tries to answer the questions, to what degree does the decision to stay in treatment depend on the interactions between the system (individual) being researched and the surrounding environment (treatment model), and to what degree is the decision influenced by the nature of the illness and character of the individual. In the first section of the study the researcher attempted to determine the characteristics of the addict and how the addiction influences him and his actions. The study found that no one can be healed from addiction. An addict will struggle and will have to be treated for the rest of his life. There is no complete cure, there is only supporting treatment for the individuals suffering from addiction. Next, the study analyzes the treatment models which interact with the addict throughout the treatment process. Alcoholics Anonymous Association – the most successful program in treating alcoholics – was chosen for detailed analysis. This section discusses its treatment model principles. The third section of... [to full text]

Drug abuse as well as risky sexual behaviours has been identified, globally as well as in South Africa, as social problems with dire consequences. Research suggests that crystal methamphetamine use leads to risky sexual behaviours such having unprotected sex, which can lead to unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STI's) including HIV infection. Adolescents as well as females have been identified as risk populations for both sexual risk behaviours and drug abuse. Furthermore, the Western Cape showed high rates of crystal methamphetamine addiction, especially in the under 20 age category, and the highest increase in the incidence of HIV infections in South Africa. This may be indicative of the magnitude of the problem of risky sexual behaviours in the context of crystal methamphetamine use in the Western Cape.

Drug abuse as well as risky sexual behaviours has been identified, globally as well as in South Africa, as social problems with dire consequences. Research suggests that crystal methamphetamine use leads to risky sexual behaviours such having unprotected sex, which can lead to unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STI's) including HIV infection. Adolescents as well as females have been identified as risk populations for both sexual risk behaviours and drug abuse. Furthermore, the Western Cape showed high rates of crystal methamphetamine addiction, especially in the under 20 age category, and the highest increase in the incidence of HIV infections in South Africa. This may be indicative of the magnitude of the problem of risky sexual behaviours in the context of crystal methamphetamine use in the Western Cape.

Magister Artium (Psychology) - MA(Psych) / Drug abuse as well as risky sexual behaviours has been identified, globally as well as in South Africa, as social problems with dire consequences. Research suggests that crystal methamphetamine use leads to risky sexual behaviours such having unprotected sex, which can lead to unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STI's) including HIV infection. Adolescents as well as females have been identified as risk populations for both sexual risk behaviours and drug abuse. Furthermore, the Western Cape showed high rates of crystal methamphetamine addiction, especially in the under 20 age category, and the highest increase in the incidence of HIV infections in South Africa. This may be indicative of the magnitude of the problem of risky sexual behaviours in the context of crystal methamphetamine use in the Western Cape. / South Africa

The purpose of the study was to explore the complex ways in which chemsex and internalised homophobia may be linked. The study sought to: Elucidate the concept of internalised homophobia; determine the challenges experienced by gay men and how psychoactive drugs influence their sexual relationships with other men; and also explore a possible relationship between chemsex and internalised homophobia. The study hopes to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges that are faced by gay people and the reasons why some gay men participate in chemsex. A total of eleven participants were identified from an LGBTIQ+ friendly drug rehabilitation centre and a gay bath house in Cape Town. A qualitative approach was used to conduct the study by conducting semi structured interviews with each participant. The theoretical framework used to elucidate the concept of internalised homophobia among the LGBTIQ+ community was underpinned by the minority stress model. This model was used to explain the concepts of homophobia and internalised homophobia. The methodological framework used was qualitative research, which focuses on the stories of individuals and is concerned with the social construction of the individual’s life, and specifically Thematic Analysis which assisted in identifying patterns or themes in people’s accounts. The findings were that even though there is a relationship between internalise homophobia and chemsex, there are many other factors and influences that play a role, such as the individuals' backgrounds, their experiences in coming out as gay, and other life circumstances. In conclusion, the study suggests that there is much more that can be done to break down the stigma and prejudice facing the LGBTIQ+ community, which is a first step towards addressing the chemsex phenomenon and related psychological consequences. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Syftet med denna studie har varit att undersöka vilka faktorer och motiv som ligger till grund för en missbrukares beslut att söka vård och behandling. Vidare har syftet varit att undersöka om beslutet grundar sig på individens egen insikt om sin problematik eller om det är ett resultat av omgivningens och nätverkets krav. Studien var av fenomenologisk karaktär då vi hade för avsikt att studera vad det är som gör beslutet till vad det är, d.v.s. finna essensen i vad det är som påverkar och samspelar med beslutet. För att uppnå syftet har vi använt oss av kvalitativ metod med en abduktiv ansats. Vi har intervjuat åtta före detta missbrukare och intervjuerna har varit av semi-strukturerad karaktär. De analysverktyg som användes i studien var motivation, handlingsteori, beslutsfattande samt samhällets och nätverkets påverkan på individen. Dessa användes mot bakgrund av att motivation ofta används som begrepp inom narkomanvård och missbruksforskning. Handlingsteorin och beslutsfattande har använts då vår avsikt var att betrakta ”att sluta missbruka” som en handling, men också som ett beslut. Vidare har samhällets utveckling medfört ett paradigmskifte inom narkomanvården varför vi anser att det är av relevans att beakta samhällets påverkan i studier av missbrukare. I resultatet framkom att före detta missbrukare huvudsakligen grundade sitt beslut att sluta missbruka utifrån den egna insikten om att missbruket föranledde ett eskalerande av negativa konsekvenser samt försämrad psykisk hälsa. Beslutet att sluta missbruka påverkades i olika omfattning av yttre omständigheter i form av respondenternas nätverk, sociala instanser och en önskan om att leva enligt samhälleliga värderingar. / The purpose of this study has been to examine what factors and motives that form the basis for drug users' decisions to seek care and treatment. An additional purpose has been to examine whether the decision is based on the individual's own understanding of their problems or if it is a result of ambient and network requirements. Thus, the study have been of phenomenological nature as we intended to study what it is that makes the decision for what it is, that is, find the essence of what affects and interacts with the decision. To achieve that purpose, we have used a qualitative method with an abductive approach. We have interviewed eight former addicts and the interviews were of semi-structured nature. The analytical tools that have been used in the study are motivation, action theory, decision making, society and the network's impact on the individual. These have been used with the light of that motivation often is used as a concept in drug rehabilitation and addiction research. Action theory and decision making have been used as our intent has been to consider "to quit abusing" as an act, but also a decision. Furthermore, the development of society has brought out a paradigm shift in drug services which is why we believe it is relevant to consider society's impact in studies of drug users. The results showed that former addicts mainly based their decision to quit abusing by the individual's own insight of that the abuse led to an escalation of negative consequences, and poorer mental health. The decision to quit the abuse was affected by different degrees of external factors in terms of respondents' networks, social services and a desire to live according to societal values.