In this study, the research on substance addiction conducted in Northern Cyprus related to students at primary, secondary, high school and university levels by different researchers until 2022 were evaluated. The aim of the study is to classify and summarize the findings in the existing research in order to attain some general conclusions. Studies focused on this aspect undertaken in Northern Cyprus conducted to date have been found to be unrelated to each other and repetitive which can be a problem for researchers in this area. Thus, streamlining the findings of previous studies focussing on the Northern Cyprus sample was considered worthwhile. The research was based on a qualitative approach using document analysis of studies on substance addiction carried out in Northern Cyprus in the last 10 years. The document analyses comprised articles, theses and reports which were selected for analysis using purposive and criterion sampling. The data obtained in the research was summarized and presented in tables which display the themes and sub-themes that emerged through the descriptive analysis. The themes are briefly defined and explained in detail by citing scientific studies.

This study was carried out to evaluate the personality traits of addicts who are in prison and addicts who are not in prison in Northern Cyprus. When the literature is examined, it is emphasized that the personality traits of addicts directly affect their involvement in crime. This study was carried out to describe the personality traits of addicted people and to reveal whether they affect their involvement in crime. It is thought that taking the necessary steps to ensure personality development and prevent addiction through education will contribute to the solution of the problem. The aim of this study is to describe the substance use characteristics of addicts according to whether they are in prison or not, by comparing their preferred substances, personal characteristics and mental problem situations, and finally their mental trauma status. It is aimed to evaluate the effects of being involved in crime on addicts. By emphasizing personality development, it is aimed to reveal how it is possible to develop personality through education. Thus, it is aimed to reach the findings in the context of prevention of addiction. The research is quantitative. In the quantitative research, the research was carried out in accordance with the descriptive model. The sampling technique of the research was determined as convenient sampling. The sample of the research consists of individuals (67 in prison, 35 not in prison) who received training and consultancy services in 2020-21 under the Support Program of the Northern Cyprus Prime Ministry Anti-Drug Commission. The data in the study were obtained through a questionnaire. Data analysis was done in SPSS, frequency-percentile and chisquare tests were used. When the personality traits of substance addicts are evaluated, it is seen that individuals in prison have a lack of safe behavior and excitement-seeking behaviour. it has been determined that individuals in prison have a high level of psychological traumatic experiences.