Exploring the presence of meaning versus search for meaning in the life of persons with substance use disorders

An absence of meaning in one’s life can lead to apathy—the “existential vacuum”—and attempts to avoid or “escape” the vacuum can include short-acting distracting behaviors. This study investigated whether the presence of meaning (PM) or the search for meaning has a relationship with substance use problems among clients admitted in the drug ward at Neuro-Psychiatric hospital. Further, whether absence of Meaning mediates those relationships. Seventy-Six (76) clients with substance use problems in Psychiatric hospital completed the Meaning in Life Questionnaire and drug use decisional balance scale. The results support Frankl’s model, higher presence of meaning was related with lower drug use and Search for meaning mediated those relationships. In keeping with Frankl’s model, a relationship was found between search for meaning and substance use problems. We recommend the need for meaning-centered interventions targeted at helping clients with substance use problems to identify meaning in their lives thus reducing levels of substance use problems.