Quality of Life and Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicines among Narcotics Anonymous Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southeast Iran

Abstract

Background. Addiction, a chronic and recurrent disorder, is associated with lasting changes in the brain and can significantly affect the quality of life of people. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) along with modern medical treatments can improve the quality of life of individuals. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) and quality of life in narcotics anonymous patients. Methods. This cross-sectional study was performed on 189 narcotics anonymous patients in southeastern Iran. Using questionnaires such as the demographic information, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), CAM, and satisfaction with the use of CAM, the researcher was able to compile a comprehensive picture of the population. Results. The mean score of overall quality of life and general health was 64.02 ± 23.32. Overall, 66.1 percent (n = 125) of the participants reported using at least one type of CAM in the previous year. Last year, 25.9% of participants used at least one kind of CAM, 22.8% used two types of CAM, 7.9% used three types of CAM, and 4.8% used four to five types of CAM. Thirty-nine point seven percent of them reported using prayer, 36.5% reported using medicinal herbs, 15.3% of participants reported using massage, 14.3% of participants reported using dietary supplements, 12.2% reported using wet cupping, and 8.5% reported using meditation. There were no significant differences in physical, psychological, environmental, and overall quality of life between CAM users and non-CAM users. The prayer users had significantly higher scores in terms of social relationships, environment, and overall quality of life than nonprayer users. Employed participants and opium users had significantly higher overall quality of life than others. Conclusion. Although there was no difference in quality of life between CAM and non-CAM users, the present study showed that prayer and medicinal herbs were the most commonly used methods among narcotics anonymous patients. However, prayer and religious beliefs were successful in improving the quality of life of these individuals. Physicians and other healthcare providers must advise patients with addiction to use different CAMs in order to improve their quality of life and quit narcotics. Future in-depth studies could help these patients use CAMs and improve their quality of life.