Features of self-concept in the context of drug addiction

Problem. Despite research on individual components of self-awareness in drug addiction, there is insufficient data on how the clarity of self-concept and the balance of independent/collective identity vary during remission depending on the degree of recognition of one’s addictive status. This hinders the identification of psychological predictors of engagement in treatment. Aim. To identify the features of self-concept in individuals with drug addiction and analyse its role in the remission process. Methods. A cross-sectional correlational-comparative study was conducted on a sample of 64 participants aged 21–43 who underwent rehabilitation at a drug treatment center. Groups were formed based on a combination of self-report on addiction recognition and the results of V.D. Mendelevich’s methodology (n=27/20/17). The SCCS, Self Construal Scale, Basic Beliefs Scale, Barchard Emotional Intelligence Test, and the method of motivational orientations in communication were applied; the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Kruskal–Wallis H-test, and Spearman’s correlations were used. Results. Self-concept clarity differed between groups (H=50.263; p≤0.01): denial of addiction despite its signs – mean rank 10.50; recognition – 35.67; denial in the absence of signs of addiction – 53.35. Collective selfconcept was higher in those who recognised addiction (40.76; H=11.257; p≤0.01), while independent self-concept was higher in individuals without signs of addiction (51.41; H=44.503; p≤0.01). Self-concept clarity was positively correlated with self-value (r=0.887) and negatively correlated with negative expressiveness (r=−0.872) and the presence of addicts in the immediate social environment (r=−0.486; p≤0.01). Conclusions. Denial of addiction in the presence of its psychological markers is associated with minimal self-concept clarity and a risk of reduced engagement in help. During remission, differentiated interventions are required, aimed at increasing the clarity of self-representations, correcting basic beliefs, and training in emotional regulation and partnership interaction.