@article{ref1,
title="Transition to and away from injecting drug use among young drug users in Tehran, Iran: a qualitative study",
journal="Iranian journal of psychiatry and behavioral sciences",
year="2016",
author="Rahimi-Movaghar, Afarin and Noroozi, Alireza and Page, Kimberly and Mohraz, Minoo and McFarland, William and Malekafzali, Hossein and Malekinejad, Mohsen",
volume="In Press",
number="In Press",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Iran has a large population of non-injection opioid users potentially at risk of initiation of drug injection. We implemented a qualitative study to characterize the factors facilitating transition from non-injection drug use (NIDU) to injection drug use (IDU) and vice versa.   Methods: We conducted 42 in-depth interviews among purposefully selected groups of injecting and non-injecting drug users and health workers, in 2011 in Tehran, Iran. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and coded using OpenCode 3.6 software.   Results: The predominant factor for transition from NIDU to IDU was a high level of drug dependence. IDU decreased the cost associated with drug use by several fold in the short-term. The influence of other injectors, either by learning directly from, encouraged by, feeling coerced by, or identifying with a lifestyle was also mentioned as a causal factor in the transition to IDU. Pleasure-seeking or desire to experience an immediate rush were rarely reported; rather, themes of the need to maintain functionality, reduce pain, and overcome financial difficulties emerged. Vein damage and other IDU-related physical health problems, as well as pressure from family were reasons for reverse transition (IDU to NIDU).   Conclusions: New harm reduction approaches could focus on blocking the transition from NIDU to injection and promoting the return to less harmful routes of administration.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1735-8639",
doi="10.17795/ijpbs-4561",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.17795/ijpbs-4561"
}