Trends and Gender Differences in Substance Use Among Children and Adolescents Admitted to an Addiction Treatment Center in Turkey: Years 2011–2013

Abstract

Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the number of females (p<0.001) and in the total number of children and adolescents (p<0.001) seeking treatment for substance use through these years. The mean age of first use was 13.8 years (SD: 2.1) and the mean age at referral for treatment was 16.1 years (SD: 1.5) in the whole group. The mean age at referral for treatment was significantly lower in the female group (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in the proportion of subjects admitted to the addiction treatment center alone or with their family (p<0.001) and in the number of subjects brought in by social services (p<0.001), while there was a statistically significant decrease in the number of non-voluntary referrals from forensic services through the years (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in the rate of ecstasy, heroin, synthetic cannabinoid use and polysubstance use and a statistically significant decrease in the age of first use (p<0.0001) and inhalant/solvent use through the years. Use of solvents/ inhalants was more common among men (p<0.001), whereas ecstasy and cocaine use was more common among women (for each, p<0.001). Polysubstance use was present in 60.2% of the subjects, and there was a statistically significant increase in the mean number of substance types used in the last two years (p<0.001). Conclusion: As different and new illicit drugs rise and fall in popularity, it is important to re-examine the patterns of substance use and to re-organize the prevention policies and treatment strategies. Considering the decrease in the age of first use and the increase in the number of youth using multiple drugs and/or hard drugs, new and more effective preventive strategies should be developed targeting children and adolescents in Turkey.