The Role of Self-Concealment and Alexithymia in Predicting Resistance to Change of Drug Users

Introduction: Addiction is a complex disease characterized by compulsive behaviors, irresistible temptations, drug behaviors, and persistent consumption, even when there are many negative consequences for the individual. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the role of self-concealment and alexithymia in predicting resistance to change of drug users. Material and Methods: This descriptive correlational study was carried out in all drug abusers referred to treatment centers in Ardabil, Iran. One hundred forty samples were selected using clustered random sampling method. The self-concealment, Alexithymia and resistance to change scales were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS-20, Pearson correlation test and multiple regression analysis. Results: The results showed that the resistance to change was related positively to the self- concealment, total score of alexithymia and components like difficulties identifying feelings, difficulties describing feelings, externally-oriented thinking. The results of regression analysis showed that 31 percent of total variance of resistance to change is explained by self-concealment and alexithymia in the multiple regression analysis results (P<0.0001). Discussion and Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that self-concealment and alexithymia are able to predict resistance to change of drug abusers.