Personality differences between drug injectors and non-injectors among substance-dependent patients in substitution treatment.
BACKGROUND
Understanding personality differences between injectors and non-injectors in substitution treatment may provide new insights to help improve treatment programs.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare drug injectors and non-injectors in terms of personality disorders and dimensions.


METHODS
Forty participants recruited from substance abuse treatment centers (23 injectors and 17 non-injectors) completed the self-report Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire 4th version and Temperament and Character Inventory. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare means of personality disorder traits, temperament, and character differences between injectors and non-injectors.


RESULTS
The mean (SD) age of the sample (72.5% male) was 36.5 (8.7) years. Injectors reported more borderline personality disorders and increased global personality disturbance (p < .05). Similarly, Anticipatory worry, Shyness, and Fatigability facet scores were higher among injectors (p < .01). Attachment, Purposeful, and Congruent second nature facet scores were higher among non-injectors (p < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
According to the route of drug administration, drug dependents differed in terms of personality disorders and dimensions.


CONCLUSIONS
These results may have implications for the implementation of treatment programs. New research in this area may contribute to the understanding and prevention of intravenous drug use.
Laboratoire du Stress Traumatique, Université de Toulouse-UPS, France.
Julie
J
Saint-Lèbes
Rachel
R
Rodgers
Philippe
P
Birmes
Laurent
L
Schmitt
D000328:Adult; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055030:Drug Users / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058850:Opiate Substitution Treatment; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D010551:Personality; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000523:psychology*
D009294:Narcotics; D002047:Buprenorphine; D008691:Methadone