Satisfaction of Basic Psychological Needs in Patients with Substance Use Disorder and Normal Persons: A Research Based on Self-Determination Theory

Background: Motivation is an important factor in the substance use field. Self-determination theory is one of the theories that focuses specifically on the issue of motivation in substance use disorder and basic psychological needs issue. Objectives: The present study aims to evaluate the satisfaction of basic psychological needs in addict persons in comparison to normal persons. Methods: In this case-control study, 93 drug addicts and 91 normal people were selected through available sampling method by matching age, gender, educational level, and socioeconomic status, and evaluated using a basic psychological needs scale. Results: The results of multivariate analysis of variances showed a significant difference between two groups in the three basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relationship (P < 0.001). Also, drug abusers received far fewer scores in three basic psychological needs. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the weakness in satisfying the basic psychological needs of drug addicts that play an important role in the majority of aspects of each person’s life. Considering this problem, constructive suggestions may be provided for prevention and interventions based on this theory in the field of addiction.