research on addiction

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between identity styles and the propensity for smoking, alcohol, and substance use during adolescence. Method: This descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional study utilized a two-stage sampling method to recruit 435 male middle and high school students in the city of Siahkal during the 2023-2024 academic year. Data were collected using the identity styles inventory and the adolescent risk-taking scale. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation, multiple linear regression, and Fisher's Z-test. Results: In early adolescence, the informational style had a significant negative relationship only with substance use, while the diffuse-avoidant style was positively associated with smoking and alcohol use. In middle adolescence, only the normative style showed a negative relationship with smoking, and the diffuse-avoidant style was significantly positively related to all three substances. In late adolescence, the informational and normative styles were significantly associated with a decreased propensity for all three substances, while the diffuse-avoidant style was linked to an increased propensity for them. Furthermore, Fisher's Z-test revealed that compared to middle adolescence, informational and normative identity styles were associated with a significantly lower tendency to consume alcohol in late adolescence. Conclusion: The observed differences in the relationship between identity styles and the propensity for addiction at various stages of adolescence can serve as a foundation for designing targeted interventions and support programs to reduce addiction, tailored to each identity style and developmental stage.