Current Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders and Its Dynamics in the Republic of Crimea: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: The study of the prevalence of narcological disorders is an integral part of the monitoring of the drug situation allowing identification of the main trends in the situation with the use of narcotic drugs. Objective: To analyze the level and structure of non-medical use of prescription drugs among the population of the Republic of Crimea and to assess their dynamics in 2020–2021. Materials and methods: The subject of the study was quantitative indicators characterizing the spread of drug use disorders in the Republic of Crimea. The information base of the study included data and materials of the Federal State Statistics Service and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Crimea. We processed data of the statistical reporting documentation for 2020–2021, Forms No. 37, Information on patients with alcoholism, drug addiction, substance abuse, and No. 11, Incidence of substance use disorders. Incidence and prevalence rates were estimated per 100 thousand population. The data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel. Results: We established an increase in the incidence of substance use disorders in the Republic of Crimea in 2020–2021 from 38.3 to 42.9 per 100 thousand population (by 12.01 % in the year 2021 compared to 2020) and an increase in the overall incidence of drug addiction and abuse from 566.5 to 578.3 per 100 thousand population (2.08 %). We noted a slight decrease in opium addiction, transition to new synthetic drugs, and an increase in the proportion of a combined use of narcotic drugs. Males aged 20 to 59 years predominate among drug users. Conclusions: Our findings show a consistently high prevalence of non-medical use of prescription drugs among the population in the Republic of Crimea, an increase in the incidence and prevalence of drug addiction and in the number of doctor’s visits among drug abusers, and a growth of drug overdose deaths.