This study was carried out to assess the psychosocial backgrounds of drug addiction problem in
Assiut Governorate The study includeed 50 drug addicts from the Social Defence Club in Assiut
and from psychiatric and addiction unit of Assiut University Hospital in addition to 50-<:ontrol
group from their relatives. Data were collected from drug addicts were about (1) sociademographic
and family backgrounds; (2) the pattern of substance abuse (3) symptoms check list-
90 (SCL-90).; (4) Drug taking situations and types used. This study revealed that drug addicts were
characterized by a relatively young age (Mean = 25.41±7.24 years), low educational level and low
social level. Their family relationships were quarrelsome with overcritisim and overprotection.
They started drug abuse at young age. The main motives for abuse were peer influence, trial, and
depression and the main desired effects were tranquility and happiness. They began and continued
to abuse drugs to enjoy pleasant times with peers, under the effects of social pressure, unpleasant
emotional situations and conflicts with others. The study recommends that: presence of community
health nurses to assist in health education for prevention of addiction in the social defense clubs and
also they integrate into a development health program within the school & they can participate in
researches and studies particularly in the community. The drug addicts were more extroverted than
controls and had a high score for anxiety and depression and low scores of psychoticisim and
paranoid ideation.