Socio-demographic Characteristics and Types of Illicit Drugs Used in Sudan, A Hayat Rehabilitation Center Experience

Abstract

Aims: Hayat Center was launched in 2014 as the first specialized addiction treatment facility is Sudan. Since little is known about alcohol and illicit drug use in the country, our aim was to identify the demographics, types of drugs used medical and psychiatric comorbidities among the first 100 patients seen at the center. To our knowledge this is the first study to address this outcome from Sudan. Method: Data was collected retrospectively, using a structured questionnaire, from the first 100 patients who were seen at the center. Statistical methods used were frequency distribution, percentages and the arithmetic mean. Findings: The patients were predominantly male (95%). Age group 20-40 years represented 76% of the sample, 90% of them were from the capital, Greater Khartoum. An alarming 76% were either college or university graduates. 83% were single, 57% reported alcohol use, and 75% had used cannabis, 37% opioids and 28% Benzodiazepines. Conclusion: This was a small sample and although it is difficult to generalize any findings from it, the data suggest alcohol and drug use affect a young and educated group, and the types of substances used are quite alarming. Demand reduction services need support with a pressing need for capacity building and training of specialists in addiction treatment. There is an urgent need to raise awareness of the problem and allocate funds for treatment services.