Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective Evaluate the association between levels of mindfulness and sociodemographic characteristics and pattern of drug use of individuals seeking treatment in a University Service Specialized in Substance Use Disorders. Methods This is a cross-sectional study with 164 individuals over 18 years of age seeking treatment for the use of psychoactive substances in the June 2018-December 2019 period, using a questionnaire for sociodemographic data, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) self-reporting instrument, and the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test. Results An association was found between low levels of mindfulness mainly with the individual risk of being a medium/high-risk user of sedative-hypnotic drugs (p = 0.020). A borderline association was also found between MAAS and the risk of the individual being a medium/high risk of alcohol (p = 0.053) and with a more severe pattern of substance use (p = 0.065). Conclusion Individuals seeking treatment for substance use presented impairments in the attentional aspect of mindfulness and levels of mindfulness seem to protect against behaviors related to substance use, especially against the use of high/moderate risk of sedative-hypnotics.
Highlights
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a prevalent public health problem that leads to severe social and personal consequences[1]
35.6 million people suffer from SUDs, which means that their psychoactive substances pattern is harmful, they may experience psychoactive substances dependence, or require treatment[2]
Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) scores were associated with the highest total ASSIST score (p = 0.019), with previous hospitalization history (p = 0.034) and use of sedative-hypnotic drugs (p = 0.065)
Summary
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a prevalent public health problem that leads to severe social and personal consequences[1]. 35.6 million people suffer from SUDs, which means that their psychoactive substances pattern is harmful, they may experience psychoactive substances dependence, or require treatment[2]. More than 90% of BZD users do so through a medical prescription[4], despite consensus on the risks involved with its prolonged use. BZDs are used as hypnotics and sedatives[5], and the ability to generate tolerance and dependence can be caused by inadequate and continued doctor’s prescription, patient self-increased dose[6], and cognitive and psychological factors such as the anticipation of adverse effects from a bad night’s sleep or a malfunction the day, leading to higher levels of anxiety[7]. Noteworthy is the fear of having withdrawal symptoms with the suspended or even reduced use of these substances[5]
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