Socio-Demographic Correlates and Patterns of Use Among Patients Visiting Addiction Services of Almadinah Specialized Psychiatric Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Substance use disorders are on the increase worldwide with negative consequences on individuals, their family and the community. Our objective is to study the socio-demographic and patterns of use in those requesting addiction treatment in Addiction treatment services of Almadinah Specialist Psychiatrist Hospital (ASPH). Methods: A descriptive chart review study of 622 patients requesting treatment between the first January 2019 and 31 December 2012. Information was taken from patients’ records and if necessary, completed by a direct interview with the patient. Data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Results: The majority were male (96.6%) with a mean age of 32.1 ± 9.2 years. More than half had less than a bachelor’s degree, while 23.5% were highly educated. The majority of patients were single (70.7%), 53.1% reported difficulty keeping a job, 17.8% a high income, 90% a negative family history of substance abuse and 94.7% a negative family history of psychiatric illness. The most frequent substances used, in descendant order, were captagon (69.8%), cannabis (63%) and alcohol (30.7%). The mean age of initiation was around 21 years for the three main substances. The prevalence of co-occurring disorders was at 14%. Two thirds of patients were from the outpatient department (67.7%) and 32.2% from the emergency department (ED). Around a third of our sample visited the emergency room at least once during the month prior to their evaluation and overall, 32.3% needed hospital admission. Conclusions: The fact that 90% of our sample reported a negative history of substance abuse with about 4 out of 5 having an early age of initiation to substance use emphasizes the urgent need for psychoeducational preventive efforts on substance abuse and dependence targeting our youths and their families, in multiple areas particularly in school and neighbourhoods.