Characteristics of drug abusers admitted in drug abuse treatment centres at Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: Problem of drug abuse in our country is serious and growing one. The thrust of this study was on identifying core internal and external factors that led to the phenomenon of drug abuse in the study population.

Design: Descriptive, cross sectional.study.

Place and duration of study: The study was undertaken from June to July 2003 at three Drug Abuse Treatment Centres (DATCs), two in the public and one in private sector. The public sector centres were stationed at Lady Reading Hospital & Khyber Teaching Hospital, whereas the private centres located at Hayatabad in Peshawar (Pakistan).

Subjects & Methods: It was a descriptive cross sectional study, interviewing 150 respondents, about characteristics of drug users, recruited on convenient sampling method.

Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistical analysis.

Results: In this study, the highest percentage of drug abusers was found within age group of 21-30 years. Female Drug Abuser if any was not found admitted during the study period. Therefore male gender members emerged as exclusive respondents. Urban-rural ratio was equal. 50.6 % respondents were married. Employment status was 88%. Laborers were among the highest users (28.6%). Amazingly among literates the abuse was higher (62.6 %). Friends were the main introducers to drug abuse (62.6%) thus re-establishing peer pressure as a major factor for drug abuse. Heroin was the common drug for abuse (80%). 64% claimed self support in purchasing drugs. They usually first started using drugs in 11-20 years age group.

Conclusion: Study explored current trends and risk factors related to drug abuse which can be prevented if tackled prudently.