Profile of Substance Abusers at a Drug Centre in Kashmir, India
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Socio-demographic and Clinical Profile of Substance Abusers Attending a Regional Drug De-addiction Centre in Chronic Conflict Area: Kashmir, India
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Yasir Hassan Rather, Wiqar Bashir, Ajaz Ahmad Sheikh, Marya Amin, Yasir Arafat Zahgeer
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Socio-demographic and Clinical Profile of Substance Abusers Attending a Regional Drug De-addiction Centre in Chronic Conflict Area: Kashmir, India
Year: 2013
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Substance abuse has long been recognized as a critical public health issue, increasingly affecting individual and community health across the globe. In regions like Jammu and Kashmir, the prevalence of drug abuse has escalated, exacerbated by socio-political unrest and the availability of various substances. Historically, drug use in India included traditional substances used for recreational and spiritual purposes, but the contemporary landscape exhibits a debilitating surge in cases, particularly among younger populations. This study aims to evaluate the socio-demographic and clinical profiles of patients seeking treatment at a drug de-addiction center in Srinagar.
The Rise of Poly-Substance Abuse
One of the significant findings of the study is the prevalence of poly-substance abuse among patients, with 91.9% indicating the use of multiple substances. The most commonly abused substances included nicotine, medicinal opioids, and cannabis, with a troubling trend of initiation occurring between the ages of 11 to 20 years. The reasons presented by patients for substance use prominently featured peer pressure and the desire to escape negative mood states, highlighting a concerning interplay between social influences and mental health challenges. Furthermore, nearly half of the patients experienced co-morbid psychiatric disorders, with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia being particularly prevalent, indicating a strong correlation between substance abuse and mental health issues.
Conclusion
The increasing rates of substance abuse among adolescents and young adults in Kashmir underscore an urgent need for comprehensive treatment strategies that address both substance use and its underlying psychosocial factors. The study elucidates that volatile substance use among youth marks a disturbing new trend, suggesting a shift in patterns of drug abuse in the region. Given these findings, health care providers are called to evolve preventive, curative, and rehabilitative measures tailored to this demographic, aiming to mitigate the risks associated with substance abuse and improve community health outcomes.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the background of substance abuse issues in Kashmir?
Substance abuse has become a major public health challenge in Kashmir, influenced by ongoing socio-political unrest. It is not only socially unacceptable but is recognized as a disease that affects individuals and communities.
What were the main findings regarding substance abuse among patients?
The study found a high prevalence of poly-substance abuse, with 91.9% of patients abusing multiple substances such as nicotine, medicinal opioids, and cannabis. The age of initiation for many users was between 11-20 years, often influenced by peer pressure.
What demographic characteristics were observed among substance abusers in the study?
The majority of substance abusers were male, predominantly aged 21-30 years, with over half belonging to lower-middle socio-economic classes. Most had high school education, were unmarried, and came from nuclear families.
What was the significance of co-morbid psychiatric disorders in this study?
The prevalence of co-morbid psychiatric disorders was notably high, affecting 49.5% of patients. Most commonly reported disorders included bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenia, indicating a critical link between mental health issues and substance abuse.
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