title: A comparative study of self-regulation in substance dependent and non-dependent individuals.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several factors influence the beginning and maintenance of substance use. The purpose of this study was to examine as well as to compare 'self-regulation' in both substance dependent and non-substance dependent individuals.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a cross-sectional study 228 (118 substance dependent and 110 with no history of using substance) participants aged 16-55 were recruited. All of the participants were asked to complete the Self-Regulation Inventory (SRI-25) and a demographic characteristics data checklist. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean and standard deviation) and the t-test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed significant differences between substance dependent and non- substance dependent groups in all the scales of the self-regulation inventory including positive actions, controllability, expression of feelings and needs, assertiveness, and well-being seeking (p<0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Self-regulation and self-control skills in drug dependent individuals are lower than those without substance dependence individuals. It is concluded that substance use may related to a deficiency in self-control and regulation of feelings. Therefore, for prevention and treatment of substance dependence disorder, it is necessary to work out and exploit strategies that include the improvement of self-regulation.
authors.affiliation: Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. mnhosbr@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Nour Mohammad
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Bakhshani
authors.forename: Mohsen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hosseinbor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012307:Risk Factors; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult