M.A. Thesis:

Influence of NA sessions on behavioral characteristics of participants in these sessions in Sabzevar

Addiction to narcotics is a global problem which affects both personal and social life of the addict in a negative way. Participating in self-help groups is a way to change the behavioral traits in people with dependency on narcotics disorder. This study aims at the effect of Anonymous Narcotics’ meetings on behavioral characteristics of participants (recovered addicts) in such meetings in Sabzevar. This study is an applied and a causative- comparative one in terms of its goal and procedure respectly. 140 people in four groups as the available sample with different periods of withdrawal were chosen among the recovered community. Meanwhile, another 30 addicted with the same condition were chosen for comparison. It means the whole study sample population was 174 people. To collect the information the shortened form of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI, 1937) and Beck Self- Concept Test (BSCT, 1978) were used. The results of the study indicated that firstly, there is a meaningful relation between the participation of the recovered addicts in NA’s meetings and the decrease of depression and tension. Secondly, attending in these meetings during different withrawal periods has no effects on mistrust, self- concept, and honesty of the recovered participants. Hence, It is highly recommended that the authorities take the continuity and enforcement of such programs into consideration.

Keywords: Narcotics Anonymous, Behavioral Characteristics, Dependency to narcotics