research on addiction

Objective: This study investigated the effects of gender, education, occupation, age, and local/non-local status on the type of substance-related crime (addiction, trafficking, and retail distribution) in Lorestan Province. Method: Data were extracted from 91,749 arrested individuals from 2017 to 2021 and analyzed using multinomial logistic regression in SPSS-26. Results: The results showed that men, individuals with low education, employed people, and the 25–39 age group were more likely to be traffickers or retail distributors than being substance dependent. Local/non-local status, however, did not have a significant effect. In a regional analysis, Khorramabad and Borujerd identified as major centers for substance-related crimes, while Chegeni and Romeshkan were identified as low-risk areas. Conclusion: The findings align with theories of gender and power, social capital, and the life-course perspective. Recommendations include expanding educational programs, improving employment conditions, supporting high-risk groups, and monitoring transit routes. This research emphasizes the complexity of individual, social, and geographic factors in substance-related crimes and provides a framework for region-specific policymaking.