Drug consumption more likely among competitive people, study finds

In its research, the University of Cordoba found that hostile and competitive people are more likely to use drugs.

Several factors affect such decisions, including experience and family history.

The research adds another to the list: personality traits.

Rosario Ruiz Olivares, the study’s head of research, said there are still many things to explain, but what they found is significant.

She does, though, insist that what people refer to ‘addictive personality’ does not exist.

Either way, the study confirms that there is a strong link between a personality with hostile and competitive traits and the likelihood to consume illegal drugs, such as cocaine, hallucinogenics, and cannabis.

The reverse also applies — people characterised by being patient, non-competitive, and less hostile are less likely to use drugs.

The study analysed 3816 participants between the ages of 18 and 29 from the province of Cordoba.

According to the head researcher, future studies will be expanded to a national level, and will also examine the role of gender.

The results represent an important milestone in combating drug consumption among young people because we now know who to focus on.

They also help in a clinical setting, since people with these characteristics have a harder time overcoming their addiction.

Specific types of psychological treatment seem to be a suitable solution in this respect.