Background & Aims: The issue of drugs, from production and transfer to distribution and consumption, is one of the fundamental challenges at the global level, and few countries are safe from its effects and consequences. This problem has been recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the most important threats to human life, along with problems such as the accumulation of weapons of mass destruction, environmental pollution, poverty, and class divide. Drugs have a wide impact on the social, economic, cultural, and political dimensions of human life and create serious challenges in its management and control. Addicts usually turn to drugs for various physical, psychological, and social reasons. Environmental factors, genetics, family problems, and social and economic pressures are among the factors that contribute to addiction. These people often face problems such as social isolation, reduced quality of life, physical and mental problems, and loss of effective relationships. Addiction can affect all aspects of a person's life and trap him in a cycle of dependence and related injuries. The quality of life of addicted people is significantly affected by the physical, psychological, and social consequences of addiction. These people often face problems such as reduced physical health, suffering from chronic diseases, decreased performance in daily activities, and reduced ability to create and maintain healthy relationships. Psychologically, addiction can lead to depression, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, and reduced motivation to change. Socially, addicts may struggle with social isolation, financial problems, and instability in employment or housing. These factors generally reduce the quality of life of these people and create an obstacle for them to return to normal life. The quality of life of addicted people is significantly affected by the multifaceted consequences of addiction, which include physical, psychological, social, and economic aspects. Physically, continuous drug use can lead to destruction of the body's immune system, dysfunction of organs such as the liver, heart, and lungs, and increased risk of infectious diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis. These people usually lack energy, have physical weakness, and have a reduced ability to do daily tasks. On the psychological side, addiction is often associated with serious problems such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, low self-confidence, and feelings of helplessness. Drug addiction impairs decision-making ability and traps people in a cycle of self-destruction. Feeling aimless and hopeless are other psychological consequences that reduce their quality of life. Therefore, the purpose of this research was the effect of reality therapy training on quality of life and self-confidence in addicted people.
Methods: The current research was a semi-experimental design of pre-test-post-test type. The statistical population of this research included people who had a history of addiction in 2022-2023 and were referred to Neka addiction treatment centers. An available sampling method was used for this research. The tools used in this research were the Cooper Smith self-confidence questionnaire in 2009, the quality of life questionnaire, and the plan of reality therapy sessions. SPSS software was used for data analysis.
Results: Reality therapy training increases the quality of life of drug addicts. The squared value of eta also shows that about 84% of the variance in the quality of life of addicted people is explained through reality therapy training. Reality therapy training is effective in increasing the self-confidence of addicted people. The squared value of eta also shows that about 75% of the variance of self-confidence is explained through reality therapy training. The effect of reality therapy training (F=101.63, P<0.000) is statistically significant after adjusting the averages of the two groups based on the pre-test score. The test group's score increased in the post-test compared to the control group. Hence, it can be concluded that reality therapy training increases the quality of life of drug addicts. The squared value of eta also shows that about 84% of the variance in the quality of life of addicted people is explained through reality therapy training.
Conclusion: According to the results obtained from the research, reality therapy plays a key role in improving the quality of life and self-confidence of addicted people. By focusing on responsibility, individual abilities, and social relationships, this approach helps people to find a positive attitude towards themselves and the future. Reality therapy training allows these people to gradually change destructive behaviors and find healthy alternatives by recognizing their strengths and potential capacities. This method helps people feel more self-worth and gain more control over their lives by strengthening problem-solving skills, decision-making ability, and building meaningful relationships. Success in these processes not only improves the quality of life but also restores self-confidence and increases the motivation to continue the path of recovery. Finally, reality therapy, by emphasizing inner capabilities and making positive changes in attitude and behavior, allows addicted people to face life's challenges better and move towards a healthier and more meaningful life. These effects are evident not only at the individual level, but also in social relations and family interactions, and play an effective role in the return of these people to society.