Designing a Prevention Model for Factors Influencing Adolescent Addiction: Perspectives of Addiction Specialists

Abstract

The present study aimed to design a comprehensive and localized prevention model for adolescent addiction based on the systematic identification of influencing factors from the perspective of addiction specialists. This qualitative exploratory study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 15 experts and professionals in the field of addiction in Birjand. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling methods, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed concurrently with collection using thematic analysis, leading to the extraction of basic, organizing, and overarching themes. The findings revealed that the causes of adolescent substance use can be categorized into three levels: predisposing, triggering, and exacerbating factors. Individual and interpersonal factors such as lack of life skills, low resilience, inability to refuse, and peer influence were identified as predisposing factors. Family-related factors including economic deprivation, inappropriate parenting styles, parental addiction, and weak supervision functioned as triggering factors. Social, cultural, and environmental conditions such as easy access to substances, cultural poverty, generational gaps, and limited educational and recreational facilities were identified as exacerbating factors. Furthermore, multilevel preventive strategies were identified across individual, interpersonal, family, social, cultural, and environmental domains, emphasizing life skills training, family strengthening, policy interventions, and the creation of safe environments. The results indicate that effective prevention of adolescent addiction requires a comprehensive, multilevel, and coordinated approach involving individuals, families, schools, and communities, and the proposed model provides a practical and evidence-based framework for preventive interventions.