Abstract

Objective: To compare self-esteem and locus of control in the initial and final stages of withdrawal in addicts attending addiction treatment centers.
Methodology: This descriptive-correlational research studied 150 addicts admitted to addiction treatment centers employing convenience-sampling technique. The data were collected using Rosenberg’s Self-esteem Scale and Rotter Locus of Control questionnaire. The results were analyzed in SPSS version 16.
Results: On the 12th day of the drug withdrawal, 96 addicts had moderate self-esteem and 102 had internal locus of control. The results of the Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a significant linear relationship between locus of control and self-esteem in the final stages of withdrawal.
Conclusion: High self-esteem has been effective in improving locus of control and decreasing psychological disorders and it can be considered the optimal treatment method in psychology.

Key words: Addiction, self-esteem, locus of control