research on addiction

Objective: The present study investigated the perceptions of recovering substance-dependent individuals regarding the reasons for their participation or non-participation in sports activities. Method: This was a qualitative survey-based study. The statistical population included all members of Narcotics Anonymous in Alborz province. A sample of 15 individuals was selected using snowball sampling and the data saturation technique. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was conducted using a combination of reflexive and inductive thematic analysis with MAXQDA 18 software. Results: The results revealed three main categories: intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation. Eight sub-categories were also identified: health, psychological factors, physical activity, sports excitement, sensation-seeking, social belonging, priorities, and ineffectiveness. Conclusion: To increase sports participation among recovering substance-dependent individuals and, consequently, reduce the risk of relapse, comprehensive and systematic planning by relevant authorities is needed. These plans should strengthen motivating factors such as health, psychological well-being, physical activity, sports excitement, sensation-seeking, and social belonging. They must also address existing barriers, including priorities and feelings of ineffectiveness, which lead to amotivation and a lack of sports participation.