Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to compare sesation seeking in substance ab-users and normal individuals.

Method: 30 heroin abusers and 30 opium abusers from the rehabilitation center in Kerman were selected by simple randomized sampling. Also, 30 smokers and 30 normal individuals, matched for age and education to the sample of substance abusers, were selected as the control group. All subjects completed the Zuckerman's sensation seeking scale.  Data analysis was done using des- criptive tests of one-way ANOVA and Tukey follow test.

Results: This study indicated that the four groups differed significantly in the overall sensation seeking score, as well as the four dimensions of thrill and adventure seeking, experience seeking, disinhibition and boredom susceptibility.

Conclusion: Opium and heroin abusers display higher levels of sensation seeking than non abusers.