Assessing emotional intelligence domains and levels in substance use disorders

Substance use disorders have emerged as a significant threat to Egyptian society, particularly among young adults, with an estimated prevalence of over nine million substance users in Egypt [1]. Substance use disorders are characterized as a chronic dysfunction of the brain system involving reward, motivation, and memory [2]. Various factors, including genetics, pharmaceutical effects, peer pressure, emotional stress, anxiety, depression, and environmental stress, can contribute to substance use disorders [3]. Freud also emphasized the role of emotions in substance use disorders, suggesting that overcoming the psychological aspects of substance use disorders, such as fear, pain, and despair, is possible [4]. Additionally, substance use disorders are associated with low self-esteem, an inability to express feelings, a lack of assertiveness, and poor communication skills [5]. Research has emphasized the importance of social competence, self-awareness, impulse control, and empathy as essential traits that protect against risky behaviors. Consequently, EI has been linked to reduced risk behaviors, improved relationships, and overall well-being [6].

Hence, EI encompasses two types of awareness: interpersonal and intrapersonal. Interpersonal awareness refers to a person's ability to appropriately recognize and respond to the emotional signals and behaviors of others, while intrapersonal awareness pertains to the ability to measure and manage one’s own emotional responses [7]. EI plays a crucial role in human interactions within the social environment, distinguishing itself from cognitive intelligence by incorporating the capacity to recognize and utilize emotions, make appropriate emotional decisions, regulate moods, control impulses, and possess effective social skills. It is a vital and rewarding aspect of dealing with everyday life situations [8].

A study by Ke and Barlas [9] indicated that individuals with poor emotional awareness, a lack of knowledge about when to express emotions, and an inability to manage their moods may struggle in various aspects of life, including coping with stress. This maladaptive coping strategies may serve as a link between low EI and substance use disorders, as evidence suggests that maladaptive coping is associated with the initiation, maintenance, and relapse stages of substance use [10]. Individuals with substance use disorders, in their attempts to manage irrational feelings, impulses, and internal tension, may turn to psychoactive substances as a form of self-treatment [11].

Drigas and Sideraki’s study [12] suggested that individuals who understand and control their emotions can approach problems more flexibly, explore alternative solutions, and avoid rigid decision-making. On the other hand, Henneberger et al.’s study [13] demonstrated that substance use disorders in its early phases are linked to difficulties in managing relationships with parents and peers. Poor EI can lead to decision-making weaknesses, particularly in personal and social matters [13].

Furthermore, the choice of a specific substance depends on an individual's self-regulation and affect-regulation problems, as well as personality dysfunctions. People prone to violence, excessive emotion, and poor stress management may prefer opioids, while those with difficulty expressing emotions, repressed aggressiveness, emptiness, tendencies toward despair, and self-esteem issues may opt for stimulants [14].

Many individuals with substance use disorders are struggling with deficiencies in their social skills and have strained relationships with their peers. Other contributing factors to substance use disorders may include problems with problem-solving, stress management, and impulsivity [15]. Assessing EI skills of individuals with substance use disorders can have a positive impact on their ability to cope with stress, cultivate healthier relationships with peers, improve their problem-solving abilities, and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Therefore, our objective was to assess the levels of EI among individuals with substance use disorders and identify the factors that influence it.

A cross-sectional study was conducted within the inpatient sector of the addiction management unit at the Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery Hospital at Assiut University between January 2022 and June 2022. The study included males aged 18 years and older who were substance use disorders, whether a single substance or a combination of substances. Participants with cognitive impairments due to any cause (such as Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment), organic brain disorders (including delirium, dementia, and amnesia), comorbid medical disease, and comorbid psychotic disorders were excluded. individuals with substance use disorders were randomly chosen using computer-generated random numbers. On the other hand, healthy control individuals had to be males 18 years or older, with no history of substance use disorders, psychiatric disorders, or other medical conditions, and negative on a urine substance abuse screening.

An individual’s EI plays a crucial role as a risk factor in substance use disorders. Good emotional control, adept social skills, and competencies enable individuals to exercise better control over their substance use consumption, reducing the likelihood of developing substance use disorders [24].

A study by Bodrogi et al. [25] highlighted that low EI hinders individuals from efficiently managing life’s stresses, potentially leading to increased substance use disorders and engagement in illicit activities. It also impedes individuals from regulating their moods and expressing their emotions effectively [25]. Moreover, Goleman, a prominent figure in emotional intelligence research, argued in his book that emotional intelligence can wield significant influence, often surpassing the impact of IQ [26]. He emphasized that academic intelligence has limited bearing on an individual's emotional life, noting that individuals with high IQ scores may struggle in social domains and exhibit uncontrolled passions and impulses. Goleman’s assertion that emotional intelligence contributes approximately 80% to life successes, compared to IQ’s 20%, underscores the significance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional achievements [26]. Thus, the primary aim of the present study was to assess the levels of EI among individuals with substance use disorders.

Our current study unveiled that most individuals with substance use disorders primarily opted for inhaled substances. Notably, the most prevalent substances abused were cannabinoids and amphetamines, predominantly consumed through smoking. This method was widely utilized due to its ease, lower associated risks, enhanced efficacy, and accessibility for individuals with substance use disorders. In contrast, Kun et al. [24] reported that injectable substance were used by over 25% of participants in both experimental and control groups.

Furthermore, our study revealed that most individuals-initiated substance use during late adolescence and early adulthood, typically between the ages of 20 and 30. This pattern may be attributed to the multiple physical, psychological, emotional, and social challenges faced during this transitional period. Opioids emerged as the most used substance, given their capacity to induce pleasure and relieve pain through neurological mechanisms. Moreover, they are characterized by a strong, compulsive drive to consume even when medically unnecessary, making them particularly appealing to individuals in the 20 to 30 age group [27]. These findings align with those of Mohamed et al. [28], who reported an onset of substance use between 21 and 32 years in 83% of their participants.

Additionally, our study demonstrated that most individuals with substance use disorders typically relied on a single substance. Furthermore, a significant proportion attributed their substance use disorders to peer influence. This observation aligns with the notion that individuals with low EI may resort to substances to cope with mental and life challenges and when making decisions under peer pressure [29]. These findings corroborate Sayed et al. [30], who found that over 50% of experimental and control groups, mainly influenced by peer pressure. Similarly, López et al. [31] reported that about two-thirds of both groups used a single type of substance.

Regarding socioeconomic status, our study found that most individuals with substance use disorders had very low levels, while most healthy individuals had low levels as well. This discrepancy can be attributed to participants in our study being predominantly manual workers with unstable incomes. This finding aligns with Bond et al.’s [32] discovery that more than half of individuals with substance use disorders fall into the low-income category. However, Mohamed et al. [28] reported contrasting results, with 28% of their research participants belonging to high socioeconomic status, 24% to low socioeconomic status, and 43% to middle socioeconomic status. Moreover, the previous study suggests that individuals with higher socioeconomic status may read the emotions of others poorly. This phenomenon is explained by the fact that higher-income individuals, having more resources, may be less dependent on others and less motivated to pay attention to others' emotions. On the other hand, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who grow up in a culture of interdependency, learn to read facial expressions and consider others’ perspectives [33]. In light of these findings, the 88% of our sample with a low socioeconomic level may actually present high emotional intelligence, challenging the association suggested in our study.

Furthermore, our study revealed that individuals with substance use disorders exhibited significantly lower levels of EI in all domains than healthy individuals. This outcome may be explained by the understanding that EI is a positive trait associated with effective coping strategies. It plays a pivotal role in an individual’s physical and psychological well-being when facing stressful or adverse life events. Low EI, on the other hand, is linked to a reduced capacity to manage and control emotions, which may predispose individuals to substance use disorders [34]. Consistent with these findings, Kun et al. [24] reported lower EI levels in individuals with various substances, such as alcohol, opiates, and cannabis, than those without substance use disorders. Moreover, they found that polysubstance use were associated with even lower EI levels. A more recent study by Henning et al. [35] also supported these findings, showing that adults with substance use disorders scored considerably lower on EI assessments.

Lastly, our study identified that an increase in the total score of ASI among individuals with substance use disorders was significantly associated with a decrease in the total score of EI. This suggests that individuals with low EI struggle to manage intra and interpersonal relationships, leading to employment, family, and social difficulties. Furthermore, their inability to control impulses and effectively cope with stressors due to emotional mismanagement can result in aggressive behavior, irritability, depression, and even psychotic symptoms [36]. These findings are in line with the research by Collins [7], who also found a negative correlation between substance use disorders and EI.

This study has a limitation due to the relatively small number of individuals with substance use disorders admitted during the research period, which could impact the applicability of the findings to a broader population. Furthermore, the researcher faced challenges in managing the behaviors of individuals with substance use disorders, resulting in extended time spent on their assessment.

Based on the study’s outcomes, it may be beneficial to consider incorporating routine assessments of EI for individuals with substance use disorders. This could provide a more precise understanding of their EI levels and subsequently inform the integration of EI program into their rehabilitation efforts. Further research should be conducted to evaluate emotional intelligence and behavioral addiction in children and adults [37‐39].

In conclusion, our findings found that lower EI scores are associated with increased vulnerability to substance use disorders. Individuals with low EI may turn to substances as a coping mechanism, struggle with impulse control, and face challenges in managing relationships and stressors. These insights shed light on the importance of EI in substance use prevention and intervention efforts.