research on addiction

Objective: This study aimed to diagnostically analyze individuals with and without a tendency towards substance use based on their attachment styles, adverse childhood experiences, and suicidal ideation. Method: The research employed a descriptive, causal-comparative design. The study population comprised all students at Semnan University during the 2024-2025 academic year. Using an available sampling method, 205 students were selected. They were then divided into two groups—with and without a tendency towards substance use—based on their scores on a substance use inclination questionnaire. The research instruments included questionnaires on attachment styles, adverse childhood experiences, suicidal ideation, and substance use inclination. Discriminant analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that attachment styles, adverse childhood experiences, and suicidal ideation were significant factors in distinguishing individuals with a tendency towards substance use from those without. The strongest predictive factors for a tendency towards substance use and for differentiating between the two groups were suicidal ideation and physical neglect. Conclusion: Individuals with a tendency towards substance use exhibit insecure attachment styles, adverse childhood experiences, and suicidal ideation. Understanding these relationships can lead to the design of more effective therapeutic interventions that not only focus on substance use but also address attachment styles, adverse childhood experiences, and the management and reduction of suicidal ideation.