FACTORS CONTRIBUTING IN QUITTING DRUG ADDICTION: EXPERIENCES FROM PAKISTANI REHABILITATION CENTERS

Abstract

Overcoming drug addiction is considered one of the hardest decisions to be made by those who endeavor to quit. This study deals with the motivations to quit drug addiction. It aims at exploring the motivational factors of those addicts who are currently seeking treatment in rehabilitation centers of Islamabad. The research employs intrinsic and extrinsic theory to contextualize the findings on theoretical grounds for the motivations that push an individual to quit addiction. The research was conducted using qualitative method to understand the addicts’ behavior. Seventeen respondents were selected and interviewed in different rehabilitation centers through purposive sampling. Findings of the study suggest that peer pressure, family stability and emotional attachments are significant in both exposing to drugs and directing towards quitting behaviour. It is concluded that the self-motivated drug addicts are more likely to be successful in quitting drugs as compared to those who are admitted into treatment programs by force.