Use of Psychoactive Substances Before Incarceration Among Prison Inmates With Drug Abuse or Dependence: Data From the OPPIDUM Program

Few longitudinal studies have examined the prevalence of psychoactive drug use and its related predictors among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) in Hong Kong. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychoactive drug use in this population and the relationships of background characteristics, health status, MSM-related self-stigma, and perceived stress with psychoactive drug use. Furthermore, the study tested the mediation effect of perceived stress in the relationship between MSM-related self-stigma and psychoactive drug use based on the minority stress model and the general strain model. A total of 600 MSM were recruited through multiple sources and completed a telephone interview at baseline, and 407 completed the 6-month follow-up survey. Prevalence of using any type of psychoactive drugs in the past 12 months at baseline and in the past six months at follow-up was 16.8% and 9.1% respectively. History of sexually transmitted infection (STI), self-stigma and perceived stress significantly predicted psychoactive drug use at 6-month follow-up. Bootstrapping analysis showed that self-stigma could, directly and indirectly, predict psychoactive drug use at 6-month follow-up through perceived stress. The results highlighted the need for interventions to reduce psychoactive drug use among local MSM and its potential modifiable factors.

Prevalence of psychoactive drug use among drivers in Thailand: A roadside survey

Background: Concerns over the use of psychoactive substances by students in health sciences is growing. This study evaluated the prevalence and patterns of these substances among the learners in the college of health sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo.Methods: A multistage sampling technique was used to obtain 252 respondents for a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data were collected using a publicly accessible, and standardized questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in SPSS 27 with p<0.05.Results: The majority of the participants were between18 to 24 years with a mean age of 21.3 ± 0.92 years. The prevalence of psychoactive substance use was 17%, with alcohol being the most commonly consumed substance (17.9%). Majority of the respondentsnever abused psychoactive substances, a substantial proportion occasionally consumed alcohol (28.5%) and prescription drugs (37.3%), through different routes of administration (12.7%). The most identified factors influencing substance use were: curiosity 71(28.2%), stress (23.8%), and media influence (23.8%). Findings show a statistically significant association between the age of respondents and the prevalence of psychoactive substance use (X2=60.79; p=0.00). Additionally, a statistically significant association was found between the pattern of usage and prevalence of psychoactive substance use (X2=38.77; p=0.03).Conclusion: Psychoactive substance use among health sciences students was found to be of moderate prevalence, influenced by peer pressure, stress, media exposure, and age. These findings underscore the need for age-specific preventive interventions and targeted policies to safeguard students' academic performance and mental health. Universities should integrate structured counseling, mentorship and awareness programs into students support services to address psychoactive substance use and promote healthier coping strategies among health sciences undergraduate students.

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of comorbid substance use disorders in patients referred for treatment of personality disorders. Two hundred inpatients and outpatients were assessed by semistructured interviews for substance use and personality disorders. Univariate odds ratios were calculated for groups of substance use disorders and each DSM-III-R axis II disorder; comorbidity among axis II disorders was controlled in multivariate models predicting current or lifetime substance use disorder groups. The impact of personality disorder on chronicity and overall impairment associated with substance use disorders was evaluated. Close to 60% of subjects with substance use disorders had personality disorders. Borderline personality disorder was significantly associated with current substance use disorders, excluding alcohol and cannabis, and with lifetime alcohol, stimulant, and other substance use disorders, excluding cannabis. Antisocial personality disorder was associated with lifetime substance use disorders other than alcohol, cannabis, and stimulants. These relationships remained significant after controlling for the presence of all other personality disorders. There was no evidence that personality disorders increased the chronicity of substance use disorders, but comorbid personality disorders were associated with greater global impairment. Borderline personality disorder may be associated with a wide variety of substance use disorders, especially among patients seeking treatment for personality problems.

Back to table of contents Previous article ArticleNo AccessPosition Statement on Psychoactive Substance Use and Dependence: Update on Marijuana and CocainePublished Online:1 Apr 2006https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.144.5.698AboutSectionsView articleAbstractPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View articleAbstractThis statement is an adjunct to the position statement on substance abuse published in the June 1981 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry, which emphasizes diagnosis and treatment. It replaces the position statement on marijuana laws published in the May 1979 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry. The statement was prepared by the Committee on Drug Abusea of the Council on Psychiatric Services and was approved by the Assembly in November 1986 and by the Board of Trustees in December 1986. Access content To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access. Personal login Institutional Login Sign in via OpenAthens Purchase Save for later Item saved, go to cart PPV Articles - American Journal of Psychiatry $35.00 Add to cart PPV Articles - American Journal of Psychiatry Checkout Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability. Not a subscriber? Subscribe Now / Learn More PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development. Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.). FiguresReferencesCited byDetailsCited byJournal of Addictive Diseases, Vol. 22, No. 4Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Vol. 35, No. 12New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 331, No. 2Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, Vol. 16, No. 4Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, Vol. 85, No. 2Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Vol. 654, No. 1 The NeurobiolPsychiatry in Africa: Special Problems and Unique Features3 September 2016 | Transcultural Psychiatric Research Review, Vol. 28, No. 3New Directions for Mental Health Services, Vol. 1991, No. 50Neuroscience in the future of psychiatry1 April 2006 | American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 145, No. 2Neuroscience in the Future of PsychiatrySTANLEY R. DEAN1 April 2006 | American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 145, No. 2Comments on the APA Position Statement on Psychoactive Substance Abuse and Dependence: Update on Marijuana and CocaineP. JOSEPH FRAWLEY1 April 2006 | American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 145, No. 2Comments on the APA Position Statement on Psychoactive Substance Abuse and Dependence: Update on Marijuana and CocaineWILLIAM D. BAUER1 April 2006 | American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 145, No. 2Drs. Kaufman and Mirin ReplyEDWARD KAUFMAN, and STEVEN M. MIRIN1 April 2006 | American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 145, No. 2Comments on the APA position statement on psychoactive substance abuse and dependence: update on marijuana and cocaine23 January 2015 | American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 145, No. 2Medical Clinics of North America, Vol. 72, No. 4Homophobia among physicians and nurses treating AIDS patients1 April 2006 | American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 144, No. 11Comments on Review of Brief PsychotherapiesMARC H. HOLLENDER1 April 2006 | American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 144, No. 11Comment on the APA position statement on psychoactive substance use1 April 2006 | American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 144, No. 11Comments on review of brief psychotherapies1 April 2006 | American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 144, No. 11 Volume 144Issue 5 May 1987Pages 698-702 Metrics PDF download History Published online 1 April 2006 Published in print 1 May 1987

Psychoactive substance use is frequently encountered in hospitals' emergency departments (EDs). It accounts for major health-care problems frequently leading to accident and ED admissions, yet it is frequently unidentified. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of psychoactive substance use among patients presenting in the Accident and EDs and to compare the case detection rate of psychoactive substance use between self-report questionnaire and biochemical markers (e.g., urine toxicology). To achieve this, 200 consenting participants attending the accident and emergency unit of a tertiary hospital were consecutively enlisted into the study within 2 weeks. They were screened for psychoactive substance use with the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and the urine drug test (UDT). The lifetime prevalence of psychoactive substance use was 45.5%, while the past 3 months (recent use) prevalence was 27.0%. The pattern of psychoactive substance use revealed that alcohol was the predominant psychoactive substance use with a lifetime prevalence of 13.0% and recent use of 12.0%. The UDT significantly detected more patients who used psychoactive substance compared to self-report (P < 0.001). The prevalence of drug use recorded among attendees of the accident and emergency unit was high in this study. The UDT significantly detected more patients who used psychoactive substances compared to self-report (P < 0.001). Several patients with major health problems as a result of psychoactive substance use were identified with the aid of these screening tools.

Background: Prevalence and underlying reasons of psychoactive substance use vary across different age, gender and societal groups. It is an important concern among females as female physiology and psychology makes them more vulnerable to substance dependence. The primary objective of study was to find prevalence, pattern and factors affecting psychoactive substance use among female students (18-25 years).Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, 250 female students were recruited from a university in Chandigarh using multistage cluster random sampling. Survey tool developed by World Health Organization was used in a self administrated format using paper based survey method. Associations among various factors leading to psychoactive substance use were tested using logistic regression model.Results: Lifetime prevalence of psychoactive substance use was 13.6% [95% CI 9.3-17.8, n=34]. Participants reported their use out of curiosity, for having fun, personal problems, easy availability, familial use, etc. 52.9% (18/250) students reported their use within last 3 months; out of them health problems were faced by two. Association of psychoactive substance use was significant for age, socioeconomic status and family history of psychoactive substance use.Conclusions: Due to sensitive nature of reporting substance use, the lifetime prevalence of 13.6% among female young students may be an underestimation. Familial psychoactive substance use exposes their wards to its use, especially under psychological stress. Qualitative research should be performed to understand why some female students use psychoactive substances while others abstain themselves from using these at all or abstain from their use for a long time after first exposure.

Background Road traffic accidents (RTAs) remain an important public health issue worldwide. Psychoactive substance use is one of the main contributors to the occurrence of traffic accidents, and its use by truck drivers is a global problem. Also, psychoactive substance use is a commonly observed behavior among truck drivers. To the best of our knowledge, no evidence shows the prevalence and factors associated with psychoactive substance use among truck drivers in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence and factors associated with psychoactive substance use among truck drivers in Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 systematically selected truck drivers at Modjo dry port in Ethiopia, from February 1 to March 1, 2018. The data were collected through face-to-face individual interviews using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EpiData version 4.2.0.0 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Binary logistic regression analysis was computed to determine the association using crude and adjusted odds ratios at 95% confidence intervals. The level of significance was declared at p value < 0.05 in the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. Results Of the 400 truck drivers interviewed, the overall one-month self-reported prevalence of psychoactive substance use was 70% (n = 280). In the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis, aged 38 years and above (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI [0.23-0.69]), Christianity religion (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI [0.28-0.97]), college and university education (AOR = 3.47, 95% CI [1.27-9.47]), having a family size of 3 or more (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI [0.20-0.60]), having 6 or more hours spent sleeping at night (AOR = 0.46, 95% CI [0.28-0.75]), and rest breaks between driving (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI [1.14-3.97]) were significantly associated with psychoactive substance use. Conclusion The one-month prevalence of psychoactive substance use among truck drivers was remarkably high. We can conclude that psychoactive substance use is a public health problem among truck drivers, which is a major threat to themselves and others on the road. The sociodemographic and occupational factors are the factors associated with drivers' psychoactive substance use. Therefore, devising health education and counseling program for drivers to tackle the problem plays paramount importance.

The present study was carried out in the most populated city in Northern Nigeria that is believed to have the highest number of commercial motorcyclists and highest prevalence of psychoactive substance use in the country. Research on psychoactive substance use among motorcycle operators in Northern Nigeria is limited, despite the high level of morbidity these substances cause to them. This study aimed to study the prevalence of psychoactive substance use among motorcycle operators in Kano, North western Nigeria. The study was cross-sectional descriptive. Participants for the study were commercial motorcyclists registered with the local branch of Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owner&rsquo;s and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN). Assessment was carried out with the use of socio-demographic questionnaire and World Health Organization Student Drug Use Questionnaire (SDUQ). Data obtained was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), 17th edition. Three hundred and ninety four (394) subjects participated in the study. The results showed that the prevalence of overall psychoactive substance use was 19.3%. The prevalence of tobacco, stimulant (gadagi), and cannabis use were 19.3, 11.9 and 3.8% respectively, while the prevalence of inhalants and opiates use were 2.0 and 1.3%, respectively. There were no reported use of alcohol, benzodiazepines and cocaine. All the subjects were males, Moslems, within the age range of 22 and 60 years mean of 32.7 &plusmn; 6.6 years. They were mostly married (88.6%), and more than two third of them (70.1%) were from Kano. The study has highlighted the prevalence of substance use among commercial motorcyclists. It has important implication for policy makers to initiate primary preventive measures that could be focused towards the reduction of substance use among commercial motorcyclists in the community. Key words: Motorcycle operators, psychoactive substance, Northwestern Nigeria, Student Drug Use Questionnaire (SDUQ).

Background: Psychoactive substance use is a major public health concern globally. Though youth attending higher education institutions are considered particularly vulnerable to psychoactive substances, there is a paucity of evidence in Ethiopia. We aimed to determine the prevalence of psychoactive substance use, factors associated with psychoactive substance use and level of dependence among Mekelle University undergraduate students in Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based quantitative cross-sectional survey was used to randomly (using multistage sampling) invite 1220 undergraduate students in April and May 2017 to participate. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with psychoactive substance use. Level of dependence was determined using the WHO’s Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test classification. Results: Among the eligible students approached, 1214 participants completed the survey, which yields a 99.5% response rate. The lifetime prevalence of psychoactive substance use was 66.5% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 64% to 69%) while the current prevalence was 49% (95% CI = 46% to 52%). A history of, but not current, psychoactive substance use was reported by 18%, while 33.5% reported never having used psychoactive substances. The current prevalence of alcohol use was 35.5%, tobacco 7.8% and khat 5.7%. Of the current users, 17% (95% CI = 14% to 20%) were at a moderate to high risk of dependency. Being over 21 years of age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.37 to 2.25), male (AOR = 3.13; 95% CI = 2.26 to 4.34), living in urban areas (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.77 to 3.23), an Orthodox Christian (AOR = 7.55, 95% CI = 4.56 to 12.48), and being in their 3rd year (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.49 to 3.55), 4th year (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.2 to 3.51) and 5th year (AOR = 4.0, 95% CI = 2.81 to 7.67) at university were associated with currently using psychoactive substances. Being male and Orthodox Christian was associated with being an ex-smoker. Conclusions: Approximately half of Mekelle University undergraduate students were using psychoactive substances with almost one in five at risk of dependency. The likelihood of use increased with seniority. Evidence-based strategies are needed to prevent school-aged children from using psychoactive substances and university students becoming dependent on substances. Interventions designed to stop current psychoactive substance use may also have promise for reducing dependency.

BackgroundUse of psychoactive substances (PAS) early in school age implies drug dependence in later life. Although no studies have been conducted on undergraduate students of Hawassa University, a few studies in Ethiopia have reported that alcohol, khat, and cigarette are the commonly abused PASs among young high school/undergraduate university students. Therefore, this study was designed to establish the prevalence of and predictors for PAS use among undergraduate HU Students.MethodsAn institution-based quantitative cross-sectional study using the self-administered WHO Model Core Questionnaire to collect information on use of various Psychoactive Substances (PASs) was conducted from June to July 2011. A multistage stratified sampling method was employed to select a total of 586 undergraduate HU students as study participants. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were done to determine factors affecting PAS use.ResultsLifetime, past 12 months, and current prevalence rate for overall PAS were 53.6%, 45.7%, and 35.5% respectively. The study depicted that in the past 12 months of the study period 40.8% used alcohol, 20.3% chewed khat, 11.9% smoked cigarettes, and 0.9% used marijuana. The prevalence of other illicit PASs such as Ecstasy, lysergic diethylamide (LSD), cocaine, crack, heroin, solvents or inhalants and un-prescribed psycho active medications was found zero percent (0%). Having family members who used PAS, peer influence, being male, and living alone during school age were found to be positively associated with overall PAS use in the past 12 months.ConclusionThe prevalence of PAS use among undergraduate HU students is high. Designing effective strategies to reduce PAS use should be everyone’s priority.

Background: The higher education student population has a special risk of use and abuse of psychoactive drugs. Objective: To analyze the use of psychoactive drugs in higher education students and their relationship with the sociodemographic variables and the COVID-19 pandemic onset. Methodology: An analytical, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected through a questionnaire applied after the first semester of the 2020/2021 school year to 8875 students of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança from Portugal. A stratified sample of 825 participants for each of the five schools. Results: Alcohol and tobacco are the most used and abused substances due to the practice of binge drinking/smoking. Psychoactive and recreational drugs are less used. Use is affected by sociodemographic variables: gender, age, school, chronic diseases, and parents’ education/occupation. During the pandemic COVID-19, students perceive an increase in use except for alcohol. Conclusion: The use of psychoactive drugs in higher education students is affected by sociodemographic variables and the COVID-19 pandemic.

BackgroundThere is a high prevalence of psychoactive substance use among patients with mental health disorders. The optimal treatment of patients with mental health disorders requires an awareness of their history pertaining substance use. Several methods are used to assess the use of substance. Each of them embodies its limitations. This study aimed at assessing the diagnostic capability of a self-report psychoactive substance use among patients at the National Psychiatric University Hospital of Cotonou, Benin.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 1, 2021 to November 24, 2021. A total of 157 consenting patients admitted to psychiatric consultations were successively enrolled in the ongoing study. They were screened for the use of psychoactive substance with Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), followed by urine test using the NarcoCheck® kit for qualitative detection of substances or its metabolites. To assess the diagnostic capability, the participants’ self-responses were compared with their urine test results. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and kappa coefficient were also calculated.ResultsThe frequency of lifetime psychoactive substance use according to self-report was 81.5% (95% CI: 0.746–0.873), while over the past three months (recent use) was 52.2% (95% CI: 0.441–0.603) and 58.6% based on the urine test. Alcohol, tobacco and cannabis were the most prevalent psychoactive substance used. The overall concordance between self-reported psychoactive substance use and the urine test (gold standard) was moderate (sensitivity = 66%; kappa = 0.46). Self-report cocaine use compared with urine test showed the highest concordance (sensitivity = 100%; kappa = 79%), followed by tobacco (sensitivity = 58%, kappa = 41%). On an average 70% of urine test results were consistent with self-report (VPP). Participants’ were more accurate when they were reporting no psychoactive substance use as suggested by the high negative predictive value (NPV).ConclusionDiagnostic capability of self-reporting of psychoactive substance use among patients admitted to psychiatric consultations was moderate. Therefore self-reporting may not estimate the exact prevalence of psychoactive substance use. Optimal identification of psychoactive substances use in psychiatric patients requires both history and urine testing. The integration of these two approaches is an excellent method to find out the level, frequency and nature of drug used.

Background: Guyana is a developing nation with a population of under one million. Yet, 15 to 20 percent of the population suffer from some form of mental health condition. Oftentimes persons turn to psychoactive substances to deal with their mental health condition. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychoactive substance use, as well as, to identify psychoactive substances and risk factors among adults attending the psychiatric outpatient clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). Methodology: A review of outpatient clinic charts belonging to patients ages 20 to 40 years, who were enrolled from January 1st to December 31st, 2019 at the psychiatric clinic (GPHC) regardless of their presenting complaint or diagnosis was carried out. Those that had records of psychoactive substance use were collected for analysis in this study. Sociodemographic characteristic and type of psychoactive substances were assessed using descriptive analysis. Results: Of 200 patient charts reviewed, 150 (75%) had records of psychoactive substance use. The majority of psychoactive substance users were Afro-Guyanese (42.7%), Christians (71.3%) and male (76.7%) with an average age of 28 years. Additionally, most patients had only primary education (59.3%) and were not in a relationship (80.7%). Moreover, the majority patients experienced a major traumatic life event (60%) and were from dysfunctional families (13.3%). The findings also showed that 47.3% of persons with a previous psychiatric history used psychoactive substances, while 36% developed a substance-induced psychotic disorder. Cannabis (78%) was identified as the most frequently used drug, followed by alcohol (50.7%) and tobacco (45.3%). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of psychoactive substance use among patients enrolled in the psychiatric clinic, GPHC. With the majority of patients having known risk factors for psychoactive substance use. Also, results highlighted that some patients developed psychotic disorders post substance use. This emphasizes the need for more mental health awareness strategies targeted at adults and the need for effective drug rehabilitation programs, which can help reduce the use of psychoactive substances among adults in Guyana. Keywords: Young Adults, Psychoactive Substance, Mental Health, Guyana

Objective: To understand the prevalence of psychoactive substance use and related factors in men who have unprotected sex with men in Zhejiang Province. Methods: Men who have unprotected sex with men were recruited by snowball sampling through men who have sex with men (MSM) social organization in Zhejiang to conduct a cross-sectional investigation from January 2022 to December 2023. The sample size was estimated to be 1 169 individuals. The information about their socio-demographic information, sexual behaviors, psychoactive substance use, and HIV testing were collected through on-site questionnaire survey. Logistic regression analysis model was used to analyze related factors about psychoactive substance use in this population. Results: A total of 1 914 men who have unprotected sex with men were included in the study, the average age of the study subjects was (31.43±10.46) years, and most of them were aged ≤35 years (70.8%, 1 356/1 914). Those with education level of high school or below accounted for 50.1% (960/1 914) and those who were not married accounted for 63.5% (1 216/1 914). Psychoactive substance use in the past 3 months was reported in 19.7% (377/1 914) of the subjects. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the factors associated with psychoactive substance use in the past 3 months included age 26-35 years (aOR=1.65, 95%CI: 1.24-2.19), ≥2 sexual partners in the past 3 months (aOR=2.33, 95%CI: 1.82-2.97), STD diagnosed in the past 3 months (aOR=2.62, 95%CI: 1.45-4.74), and awareness of the HIV infection status of sexual partners (aOR=2.83, 95%CI: 2.12-3.78). Conclusions: The prevalence of psychoactive substance use in men who have unprotected sex with men was high in Zhejiang. It is necessary to strengthen the intervention in this population.