Addiction Prevention and Treatment Program at Megamotor Company

Addiction and substance abuse are social issues that undermine a society’s ability to organize and maintain order, disrupt social norms and functioning, and cause structural changes in the economic, social, political, and cultural systems of a community. The problem of substance use and dependency is complex and multifaceted. The causes of drug use are diverse and linked to multiple factors, including social, economic, interpersonal, and individual elements—often making it difficult to identify a single root cause. In many cases, solving this issue is even more challenging than understanding the contributing and facilitating factors.

According to some studies, the number of individuals addicted to opioids in Iran is on the rise. When considering the families of addicted individuals—who are affected in various ways by the consequences of substance use—it becomes clear that a significant portion of the population is grappling with this issue. Dependency and abuse of opioids, especially in advanced stages and in the form of heroin use, pose serious risks to both individuals and society.

Findings from the Rapid Situation Assessment (RSA) of addiction in Iran in 2007 (1386), conducted among clients of public and private treatment centers, street users, and prisoners, reveal a sobering reality: 70% of addicted individuals were employed. [18.7% skilled workers, 15.9% unskilled workers, 7.9% urban drivers, 7.8% shopkeepers, 5.9% professionals, 5.1% informal workers, 4.6% intercity drivers, 3.7% other occupations, 3.2% farmers, and 30.1% unemployed]. Among the unemployed group: 28.1% were laid off, 37.1% were jobless, 7.5% homemakers, 1.8% soldiers, 2.4% university students, 1.9% school students, 2.3% retirees, 1.1% pensioners, 9.5% other, and 8.3% did not respond.

These statistics indicate that the majority of individuals affected by addiction are productive members of society—those upon whom the country’s economic growth depends. This proposal aims to demonstrate that through education and awareness-building in the industrial sector, early identification and treatment of affected individuals, and the creation of conditions for empowering those recovering from addiction, meaningful progress can be made in reducing and controlling this devastating disease.

The use of narcotics among members of society not only causes them to be perceived as violators of social roles, but also leads to risks stemming from negligence at work and potential legal consequences. Addicted workers are often viewed as individuals who have abandoned their social and productive roles, exhibiting instability and a lack of self-control. A closer look at the lives of addicted individuals reveals how their social deviations can create deep rifts between them and their families or workplaces. As a result, not only are they easily labeled as deviants, but they also face more severe social and legal repercussions.

Addiction inflicts irreversible harm on individuals, families, and society as a whole—particularly on the productive capacity of the community. Some of its consequences include: social exclusion, the emergence of addicted generations, reduced interaction with non-users, and increased association with other substance users. As drug use intensifies, the chances of an addicted individual being absorbed into the legitimate labor market drastically decline. Consequently, their dependence on illicit means to finance their addiction increases.

Addressing and removing the cultural, social, and economic factors that influence addiction and substance abuse—especially in workplace environments—is essential. With this effort, we hope to improve the quality of services provided to affected individuals by relevant organizations and industrial or economic centers, and to expand positive support services for this vulnerable group within an integrated system. In fact, the more comprehensive our services in prevention, treatment, and control of social harms, the more effective our management and planning will be in reducing and controlling these issues.

Megamotor Company Personnel

Addiction and HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment, and Mental Health Promotion for Employees of Megamotor Company

The goal of addiction prevention and treatment, as well as mental health promotion among employees in industrial companies, is to provide psychosocial support, strengthen self-confidence, improve physical and mental well-being, foster a sense of belonging to the workplace, and establish a supportive social structure for these individuals. From this perspective, psychosocial support not only benefits the employees directly, but also reduces the likelihood of addiction by enhancing mental health—ultimately leading to increased work efficiency.

Key Objectives:
– Raising awareness and disseminating information about addiction within the company
– Improving work performance and productivity
– Reducing high-risk behaviors
– Enhancing decision-making abilities among staff
– Improving interpersonal relationships between workers, supervisors, and managers
– Strengthening collaboration among core team members and various departments
– Familiarizing staff with effective communication methods for engaging with clients to improve treatment outcomes
– Educating personnel on methods of addiction prevention and treatment
– Providing treatment for employees affected by addiction

Support Services Offered:
– Individual psychological counseling for company staff
– Medication-assisted treatment services
– Residential treatment services
– Matrix model therapy services
– Counseling sessions on addiction prevention and treatment with Megamotor managers and decision-makers
– Educational workshops on addiction and HIV/AIDS prevention

We are all often faced with challenges and issues that, due to the limitations of our knowledge and experience, require us to seek advice and collaboration with others. Even the most emotionally stable individuals are not immune to emotional crises. Life changes—such as entering university, marriage, separation from family and friends, illness, or the loss of loved ones—can lead to anxiety, doubt, worry, conflict, and even crisis.

It is important to note that experiencing such emotions during adaptation to a new environment or situation is natural to a certain extent. However, if these negative feelings exceed normal levels, they can reduce concentration, inner peace, and physical and mental health.

To function effectively and productively, a person must experience a moderate level of stress. Mild emotional arousal helps individuals stay alert while performing their responsibilities. When faced with stress, people often resort to behavioral patterns that may have previously been ineffective. For example, a cautious person may become even more withdrawn and eventually isolate themselves, while an aggressive person may lose control and act destructively. It is believed that illnesses such as allergies, migraines, hypertension, heart conditions, and gastrointestinal ulcers are linked to emotional stress. Since most people spend the majority of their productive time in the workplace, the conditions of the work environment play a crucial role in ensuring their physical and mental well-being.

Treating substance abuse has always been accompanied by significant challenges. Maintenance therapy is one of the most important achievements in the field of addiction treatment. This method was first introduced in 1964 at Rockefeller University.

Methadone is a synthetic opioid developed in Germany just before World War II. It has unique effects: when administered at the correct dose, a single dose can stabilize a patient for 24 to 36 hours without causing euphoria, sedation, or persistent analgesia. This allows the patient to maintain normal functioning without disruption to physical or mental activities. Patients retain normal pain perception and emotional responses. Most importantly, methadone eliminates the persistent craving and hunger for opioids—two major factors contributing to relapse.

Key benefits of methadone include: reducing or eliminating withdrawal symptoms, suppressing intense cravings, preventing relapse, restoring physiological function disrupted by substance use, reducing criminal behavior, improving socially productive behavior and mental health, and decreasing heroin consumption. These features align with the core goals of harm reduction in addiction treatment and can facilitate the patient’s reintegration into society.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Services
Admission Code – Date of Visit – Duration of Treatment – Type of Treatment
X100 – August 7, 2013 – 18 months – Methadone
X101 – May 18, 2014 – 8 months – Buprenorphine
X102 – October 4, 2014 – 4 months – Methadone

Mid-Term Residential Centers
Mid-term residential centers refer to facilities established by legal entities (non-governmental organizations and associations operating in the field of health and social services, whose statutes include addiction treatment, rehabilitation, or recovery activities). These centers operate with official licenses from the Welfare Organization and under its supervision, offering residential services for a period of 30 to 90 days.

The core approach of mid-term residential centers focuses on the participation of peer support groups and self-help communities (recovered individuals). Services are primarily delivered by individuals who have recovered from addiction. These centers maintain close and continuous collaboration with addiction treatment and rehabilitation centers under the supervision of the Welfare Organization or certified physicians. They assist with screening, non-medicated detox supervision, and provide specialized services when necessary, ensuring enhanced oversight and quality of care.

Therapeutic Factors
• Healing environment
• Participation in daily 12-step group meetings
• Training to develop healthy behavioral models (changing perspectives and correcting false beliefs)
• Education on harm reduction programs
• Peer counseling on skills for avoiding illegal substance use and preventing relapse
• Peer counseling on skills for living a substance-free life
• Peer counseling on stress management skills

Treatment Programs
• Family orientation sessions
• Participation in reading groups
• Fostering a sense of responsibility and boosting self-confidence
• Encouraging service as a therapeutic tool (facilitating meetings, teamwork, group involvement, etc.)
• Offering opportunities to assist in managing the center
• Using music as a therapeutic method
• Light exercise and physical activity
• Gratitude sessions
• Use of appropriate color schemes and recovery messages in the center’s environment
• Emotional expression sessions (encouraging clients to express and listen to feelings, make amends, etc.)
• Step work sessions for clients
• Prayer sessions (8 sessions in the 28-day program)
• Inviting members of 12-step groups to share experiences and support clients

Residential Treatment Services
Number of Clients – Duration of Stay
2 clients – One full cycle

Matrix is a non-pharmacological, outpatient treatment method for patients. This approach was first introduced to the medical world by UCLA in the United States and is now the most recognized and widely used method for treating amphetamine addiction worldwide. The Matrix model consists of subtle psychological interventions, with a minimum of two sessions per week over a three-month period. However, continuing treatment for at least six months is considered essential. The initial phase includes 24 psychological therapy sessions over three months, followed by 12 additional sessions, totaling 36 sessions for a six-month treatment cycle. The duration of treatment is adjusted based on the patient’s condition, progress, and pace. Each session lasts between 30 to 60 minutes.

This method aims to help patients gradually tap into their true potential, enhance their psychological functioning during the course of treatment, and use medication as a complementary aid. The Matrix model targets gradual abstinence, strengthening psychological, social, and professional functioning, and helping patients gain insight into themselves and their condition, while understanding the benefits of abstinence.

Individual Psychological Services (Matrix)
Admission Code – Date of Visit – Number of Sessions / Duration
Y100 – August 26, 2014 – 8 sessions / 60 minutes
Y101 – October 4, 2014 – 10 sessions / 60 minutes
Y102 – January 22, 2015 – 9 sessions / 60 minutes

Consultation Sessions on Addiction Treatment and Prevention with Megamotor Managers
Number of Sessions Held – Location
2 sessions held at Megamotor Company
2 sessions held at Simaye Sabz Rahayi Institute Office

Educational Workshops on Addiction and HIV/AIDS Prevention
Date – Location
October 25–27, 2014 – Training workshop at Megamotor Company
November 29–December 1, 2014 – Training workshop at Megamotor Company
January 24–26, 2015 – Training workshop at Megamotor Company
A total of 3 workshop cycles were conducted.

First Educational Workshop on Addiction and HIV/AIDS Awareness
Location: Training workshop at Megamotor Company
Date: October 25–27, 2014
Time: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

The workshop began at 8:30 AM with the participation of 16 Megamotor employees.
On the first day, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, Dr. Rastegoo, Senior Expert in Addiction Studies, presented an overview of addiction trends in Iran and globally. He provided statistical and epidemiological data on the prevalence of addiction.
From 11:00 to 12:30 PM, Dr. Mahzari, a specialist in addiction medicine, discussed the fundamentals of addiction, its causes, and consequences. He examined the main factors contributing to the spread of addiction and its underlying causes. He explained the symptoms of substance use and categorized different types of substances, including narcotics, stimulants, and hallucinogens. He also introduced the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and explained the effects of various substances in detail.

From 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, Dr. Mahzari spoke about amphetamines and methamphetamines, which are generally classified as stimulant drugs.

On the second day, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Ms. Alizadeh, senior psychology expert, presented an overview of HIV/AIDS. She discussed the history of AIDS in Iran and globally, explained the modes of transmission and prevalence of HIV, and then elaborated on prevention methods. At the end, she responded to participants’ questions.

From 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Dr. Rastegoo discussed addiction treatment, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. From 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, prayer and lunch were held.

From 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, a Q&A panel was held with recovered individuals Mr. Zehtabian and Mr. Barghaei, who shared their recovery experiences and reviewed various addiction treatment methods. They also answered participants’ questions.

On the third day, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Dr. Hassani, PhD in psychology, discussed workplace stress and its impact on physical and mental health. She explained the harms of stress in the workplace and presented strategies for stress prevention. From 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, the topic of joyful living was addressed.

Second Cycle of the Addiction and HIV/AIDS Awareness Workshop

Location: Training workshop at Megamotor Company
Date: November 29 to December 1, 2014
Time: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

The second cycle of the Addiction and HIV/AIDS Awareness Workshop began at 8:30 AM with the participation of 16 Megamotor employees.

On the first day, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, Dr. Rastegoo, senior expert in addiction studies, presented an overview of addiction in Iran and globally. He provided statistical and epidemiological data on addiction prevalence.

From 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Dr. Rastegoo discussed the fundamentals of addiction, its causes and consequences. He examined the main factors contributing to the spread of addiction and its underlying causes. He explained the symptoms of substance use and categorized different types of substances, including narcotics, stimulants, and hallucinogens. He also introduced the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and explained the effects of various substances in detail.

From 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, Dr. Shafiei spoke about addiction treatment. He examined the four dimensions of addiction—physical, psychological, spiritual, and social—and explained rehabilitation strategies and approaches for interacting with addicted individuals.

On the second day, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Ms. Alizadeh presented an overview of HIV/AIDS. She discussed the history of AIDS in Iran and globally, explained the modes of transmission and prevalence of HIV, and elaborated on prevention methods. At the end, she responded to participants’ questions.

From 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Dr. Rastegoo lectured on amphetamines and methamphetamines.

From 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, a Q&A panel was held with two recovered individuals who shared their recovery experiences and reviewed various addiction treatment methods. They also answered participants’ questions.

On the third day, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Mr. Salehi discussed workplace stress and its impact on physical and mental health. He explained the harms of stress in the workplace and presented strategies for stress prevention. From 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, the topic of joyful living was addressed.

The educational environment was designed to encourage group work and voluntary participation from attendees. Additionally, the workshop included discussions on family pathology and emotional dynamics within families, which have a reciprocal impact on workplace environments.

Third Cycle of the Addiction and HIV/AIDS Awareness Workshop
Location: Training workshop at Megamotor Company
Date: January 24 to January 26, 2015
Time: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

The third cycle of the Addiction and HIV/AIDS Awareness Workshop began at 8:30 AM with the participation of 5 Megamotor employees.

On the first day, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, Ms. Amiri, a social work expert and addiction treatment specialist, presented the history of addiction in Iran and globally, explained the laws enacted in Iran, and discussed Iran’s strategic position.

From 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Ms. Amiri continued by discussing the fundamentals of addiction, its causes and consequences. She began by defining addiction, identifying risk and protective factors, and examining the damages and complications of addiction from various perspectives.

From 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, Ms. Alizadeh, senior psychology expert, presented an overview of HIV/AIDS. She discussed the history of AIDS in Iran and globally, explained the modes of transmission and prevalence of HIV, elaborated on prevention methods, and responded to participants’ questions.

On the second day, from 8:30 to 10:30 AM, Ms. Hejab, an addiction expert from the Welfare Organization, lectured on amphetamines and methamphetamines. She thoroughly explained different types of stimulants and psychoactive substances and detailed their side effects.

From 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, she discussed various addiction treatment methods.

From 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, a Q&A panel was held with two recovered individuals who shared their recovery experiences and reviewed different addiction treatment approaches. They also answered participants’ questions.

On the third day, from 8:30 to 10:30 AM, Dr. Mirsharafeddin discussed workplace stress and its impact on physical and mental health. She explained the harms of stress in the workplace and presented strategies for stress prevention. From 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, the topic of joyful living was addressed.

Survey Analysis

Three cycles of the three-day Addiction and HIV/AIDS Awareness Workshop were held on the following dates:
October 25–27, 2014;
November 29–December 1, 2014;
January 24–26, 2015
at Megamotor Company.

Below is statistical information regarding the workshops:

Number of Participants
Approximately 40 individuals participated in the Addiction and HIV/AIDS Awareness Workshops.

Educational Background of Participants
Participants held academic degrees including bachelor’s, associate’s, and high school diplomas.

Workshop Duration
The educational workshops were held from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with each session lasting 2 hours.

Survey Results
According to the completed survey forms by participants, the workshop received an average score of 4.04 out of 5. This score reflects a general evaluation of “good” for the workshop.
The survey was conducted through 18 questions covering topics such as organization and structure, teaching performance, instructors’ behavior, and overall assessment.
Participants selected one of the following options for each question: very good, good, average, poor, or very poor. In the analysis, the option “very good” was assigned a score of 5, “good” a score of 4, “average” a score of 3, “poor” a score of 2, and “very poor” a score of 1.
In the completed forms, the “poor” option was not selected for any item.

The average score for instructors’ punctuality in class was 4.32.
The average score for instructors’ classroom management was 4.85.
The average score for clarity of educational objectives in each session was 4.25.
The average score for sequence and coherence of content was 4.05.
The average score for clarity and communication of concepts was 4.55.
The average score for the practical relevance of the presented content was 4.75.
The average score for coverage of the designated topics throughout the course was 3.75.
The average score for the novelty and freshness of the content was 3.59.
The average score for instructors’ ability to respond to questions and ambiguities was 4.25.
The average score for use of educational aids and audiovisual tools was 3.
The average score for use of practical examples during instruction was 4.
The average score for instructors’ enthusiasm and mastery of the subject was 4.075.
The average score for summarizing content at the end of each session was 3.25.
The average score for instructors’ behavior toward participants was 4.70.
The average score for motivating participants to learn and reinforcing that motivation was 4.75.
The average score for welcoming and incorporating participants’ suggestions, feedback, and criticisms was 4.05.
The average score for participants’ overall evaluation of the course was 4.70.

Evaluation of the Addiction and HIV/AIDS Awareness Workshop

In addition, participants were asked to share any further comments. Some participants submitted written feedback. After summarizing the written comments, several points were highlighted:

Many participants expressed appreciation for the organization of the workshop, with specific references to topics or individuals.
Several participants requested more workshops and training sessions organized by the institution.
Some emphasized the need for deeper focus on the topic of addiction.
The importance of gathering participants’ input regarding future program needs was noted.
Some participants stressed the need for more attention to psychological topics.
There was a recommendation to assess participants’ background knowledge and incorporate it into the delivery of content.

Challenges and Shortcomings in Collaboration with Megamotor Company:
1- The number of individuals referred for treatment was low.
2- The group introduced for training was not peer-based.
3- The number of participants in the educational workshops was small.
4- There was inaccurate communication regarding the content of the educational workshops.
5- The venue for holding the educational workshops was unsuitable.
6- The designated sequence for participants attending the workshops was not followed.

Statistical Analysis:
Based on the independent groups t-test at a 5% alpha level, a significant difference was observed between the pre-test and post-test results. Therefore, it can be concluded with 95% confidence that the educational workshop led to an increase in participants’ knowledge regarding addiction and HIV/AIDS prevention.