Psychological Factors Contributing to Addiction Among Young People
Azadi Teaching Hospital, Kirkuk Health Directorate, Kirkuk Iraq.
* Corresponding Author
Research Article
International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 2026, 12(02), 074–080.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijbpsa.2026.12.2.0104
Publication history:
Received on 19 September 2026; revised on 26 October 2026; accepted on 28 October 2026
Abstract:
Background: Addiction is a complex problem that may be associated with psychological distress and various social and family-related difficulties. Understanding the psychological problems and perceived contributing factors among individuals with addiction is important for developing appropriate prevention and support strategies. Aim of the Study: This study aimed to investigate psychological problems associated with addiction and identify potential contributing factors among addicted individuals from different governorates of Iraq.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from 1/6/2025 to 1/6/2026 involving 140 individuals with addiction, including males and females aged 18–35 years, recruited from different Iraqi governorates. Data were collected regarding sociodemographic characteristics, psychological problems, and potential contributing factors. Descriptive statistical methods, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the findings.
Results: Males constituted 97.14% of the participants, while females accounted for 2.86%. The largest age group was 21–25 years (37.14%), followed by 26–30 years (25.71%). Participants with secondary education represented the largest educational group (34.29%). Anxiety and excessive worry were the most frequently reported psychological problems (65.71%), followed by psychological stress (62.86%) and persistent sadness (54.29%). Family problems were the most frequently identified potential contributing factor (60.00%), followed by peer pressure (57.14%), difficulty coping with stress (55.71%), and emotional problems (52.86%).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that anxiety, psychological stress, and family-related difficulties were frequently reported among the individuals with addiction included in this study. These results highlight the importance of considering psychological well-being, family relationships, and peer influences when developing addiction prevention and support programs. However, the descriptive findings do not establish causal relationships or determine addiction risk in the general population.
Keywords:
Addiction; Age; Sex; Psychological Problems; Anxiety; Psychological Stress; Family Problems; Peer Pressure; Young Adults
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Copyright © 2026 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0