Socio-demographic and Clinical Profile of Substance Abusers Attending a Regional Drug De-addiction Centre in Chronic Conflict Area: Kashmir, India
- Author:
Yasir Hassan Rather
;
Wiqar Bashir
;
Ajaz Ahmad Sheikh
;
Marya Amin
;
Yasir Arafat Zahgeer
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
addiction;
de-addiction centre;
drug abuse;
polysubstance
- MeSH:
Substance-Related Disorders;
Heroin Dependence;
Social Problems;
India
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
2013;20(3):31-38
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: The menace of substance abuse is not only a socially unacceptable reality, but in its entirety is a disease and emerging as a major public health challenge.
Objective: To study the socio-demographic and clinical profile of patients attending the drug de-addiction centre.
Methods: A descriptive study was undertaken in a drug de-addiction centre at the Police Hospital in Srinagar, and all patients (198) who were admitted during this period were interviewed.
Results: The mean (SD) age of patients was 26.8 years (SD 7.37), and over half (56%) belonged to the lower-middle social class. Poly-substance abuse was seen in 91.9%; medicinal opioids and cannabis were the most common substances abused. Most common age of initiation was 11–20 years (76.8%), with peer pressure and relief from a negative mood state being the most common reasons given for starting the drug(s). Prevalence of a co-morbid psychiatric disorder was high, on the order of 49.5%. A high rate of volatile substance use was observed among adolescents (54.5%).
Conclusion: A pattern of poly-substance abuse was found to be quite common in patients, and use of volatile substances at a very young age emerged as a new trend. The dreadful repercussions of substance abuse justify the urgency to evolve a comprehensive strategy.
- Full text:P020141209416925414742.pdf
