Effects Of Substance Abuse Research Articles

Prevalence and Consequences of Substance Abuse among Undergraduates in Ilorin Metropolis

This study investigated the prevalence and consequences of substance abuse among undergraduates in Kwara State. The study examines whether or not moderating variables such as age, gender and family type would influence the respondents’ view on the prevalence and consequences of substance abuse among Undergraduates in Kwara State. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 60 respondents from each of the three selected institutions. Thus, a total of 180 respondents participated in the study. A researcher-developed questionnaire titled "Prevalence and Consequences of Substance Abuse Questionnaire (PCSAQ)" was used to collect data for the study, using a t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that the prevalent substances among undergraduates in Kwara State are cigarettes, alcohol, and tobacco among others. The findings also revealed that the consequences of substance abuse among undergraduates in Kwara State are low self-esteem, dropping out of school, and social isolation (i.e. Poor relationships with others) among others. The findings of this study also revealed that there was no significant difference in the prevalence and consequences of substance abuse among undergraduates based on age and family type. However, a significant difference was found in the prevalence and consequences of substance abuse based on gender. Based on the findings, it was recommended 1) that undergraduate students should be properly oriented by the counsellors on the dangers associated with substance abuse at the beginning of their academic year, 2) seminars and workshops should be provided by counsellors so that students would be informed about the consequences of substance abuse, 3) education should be properly structured and provided to students by school counsellor and parents at the early stage of development and 4) counsellors should organize seminars on the prevalence and consequences of substance abuse on the health of individual.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR OF YOUTH IN NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ENUGU STATE

Debates over the years, have favored the assumption that individuals who engage in substance abuse have high proclivity to demonstrate antisocial behaviours as direct consequence of substance abuse. But with increase in different psychotropic substances and reports of wide spread substance abuse, this study attempted to revisit youth substance abuse with the hope of ascertaining the current nature of substances they abuse, the extent to which they abuse it, how the abuse relates to their antisocial behaviours, the consequences of the above on them, the challenges associated with the mitigation/control of youth drug abuse and measures that could be adopted to address the phenomenon of youth drug abuse and antisocial behaviours. The study is anchored on containment theory and based its analysis on quantitative data obtained from randomly selected sample of five hundred and ninety-four (594) youth, and qualitative data obtained from purposively selected nine (9) interviewees. Data collected using questionnaire were coded and analyzed with SPSS Version 21 for descriptive and inferential result, while the qualitative responses were transcribed and analyzed to provide in-depth insights, using direct quotes and illustrations. The study found a significant positive correlation between the extent of substance use and degree of indulgence in antisocial behaviours. Property related antisocial behaviours like theft, armed robbery and vandalism were all found to relate with different forms of substance abuse. Measures like youth empowerment, access to counselling services, public sensitization, police border patrol, and increasing the cost of regularly abused substances could be improved to reduce youth drug abuse.

A Concurrent Analysis of Drug Relapse Risk, Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy, and Aftercare Experiences among Aftercare Program Clients

The cases of drug use and abuse have predominantly increased globally. This issue has become the most significant challenge among mental health professionals, the national government, and the general population. With the absence of substantial research about drug relapse and avoidance in the Philippines, this mixed-method research seeks to find out the relationship between drug relapse risk and drug avoidance self-efficacy among substance users who participated in the aftercare program. This study employed a concurrent mixed method design, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. In the quantitative phase, the Advance Warning of Relapse (AWARE) Questionnaire and Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES) were administered to 66 participants from the Aftercare Program (ACP) at the Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Eastern Visayas. The aim was to establish a correlation between the risk of drug relapse and drug avoidance self-efficacy. In the qualitative phase, interviews were conducted with five participants who met the study's inclusion criteria. Purposive sampling was used to select these participants. Quantitative findings revealed that ACP clients had low drug relapse risk and high drug avoidance self-efficacy. Moreover, Pearson product-moment correlation shows an inverse relationship between lower drug relapse risk and high drug avoidance self-efficacy, and vice-versa. However, the correlation between these variables is weak, indicating that drug avoidance self-efficacy is not a strong predictor of relapse risk in aftercare program clients. Similarly, qualitative results exposed the client’s experiences in the After Care Program. Six themes emerge from their experiences, such as their various reasons for taking the drugs, the effects of substance use, their effective coping mechanisms, the treatment of their communities, their accomplishment of recovery goals, and overcoming challenges in their recovery. The study suggests that individuals who participate in the aftercare programs are trying their best to recover and increase their self-efficacy to avoid using drugs. This strong self-efficacy, in combination with various factors such as family support, the acceptance of the community, and continued reminders of the consequences of substance abuse, decreased their vulnerability to use drugs in high-risk situations. The findings will increase the awareness of Filipinos in the prevention and treatment of substance use among their loved ones, relatives, and friends. Likewise, the findings recommend improving the aftercare program to increase its effectiveness and efficiency in preventing relapse among individuals in recovery.

Causes Of Rising Drug Trafficking In India And Ways To Stop Drug Trafficking

Abstract Drug trafficking is the worldwide practice of distributing drugs and other substances which are legally banned under narcotics and associated laws. It includes the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of controlled substances. In India, the use of drugs in society especially among the younger generation has increased in the past decade and continuous to increase. This has direct and hidden effects on the future growth of the country. This paper discusses the problem of drug trafficking in India, their entry inside the country through the country's border and the various drugs which are seized in the country. It also discussed on how the investigation of drug-related cases can be improved by implementing different approaches to reduce the illegal trade of drugs. Drug trafficking is a global illicit trade involving the cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of substances which are subject to drug prohibition laws. UNODC is continuously monitoring and researching global illicit drug markets in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their dynamics. The consequences of drug abuse can never be overemphasized as it has birthed a lot of problems not only in family but in the nation as well as the international community. Some medical issues associated with drug abuse include – mental disorder, liver cirrhosis, lethargy, irritability, heart disorders, among others. Studies also reveal that drug addiction contributes largely to social consequences such as internet fraud, gang formation, disruption of normal educational activities, cultism, violence, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, sexual abuse, reduced productivity. Drug and alcohol abuse are serious problems and has contributed largely to the sorry state of our dear nation. It has birthed a lot of social and medical problems, including school dropout, armed robbery, violence, mental disorder, irritability, heart disorders, to mention but a few. Talking about the way out the government alone cannot eradicate this social menace. It is a joint task of you and me – individuals, communities, families, schools, civil society, religious organizations, the media, business entities. Drug trafficking is a key part of this research. The author delves into analysing the current protective legislations in India in the light of drug trafficking and conclude by suggesting the necessary changes that can be implemented to stop drug trafficking.

Analyzing the Elements and Ramifications of Substance Abuse among Secondary School Students: A Case of Six Selected Secondary Schools in Chibombo District of Central Province, Zambia.

: This research examining the factors and consequences of drug abuse among secondary school pupils: a case of six selected secondary schools in Chibombo district of central province, Zambia. The study aimed at shedding light on the underlying factors contributing to drug abuse and its impact on the pupil’s population. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods; empirical data was collected from pupils, teachers, school head teachers and education officer through questionnaire guides. The researcher used purposive and simple random sampling, whereby the researcher selected 200 respondents as drowned out from the research population; this included 2 officers from the ministry of education, 6 head teachers, 60 teachers and 132 pupils in six selected secondary schools in Chibombo district of Central province, Zambia. The data which was collected was analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 25 to produce outputs according to the research objectives. Therefore, the study found out that the burden of substance abuse is still high in our study population and the prevalence was significantly higher among students who had not received any formal teachings on the subject. It therefore becomes imperative to incorporate teachings on substance abuse into the national school curriculum for secondary school students. The National School Health Policy needs to be expanded to incorporate this vital issue. The law enforcement agents regulating drug trafficking in and out of Zambia should begin to beam their search lights on secondary school students.

A Qualitative Study of the Initiation, Causes, and Consequences of Drug Addiction

Abstract Background: Drug addiction is a social problem that affects people all over the world, Increased manufacturing, distribution, promotion, availability, and social values contribute to this issue. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the causes of substance abuse among users and its impacts. Materials and Methods: The study’s findings were derived through primary research. In-depth interviews with substance users undergoing treatment at a de-addiction center in Srinagar were carried out in June 2022–July 2022. This study included a thematic analysis of the stories of 20 participants. Results: Data gathered through participant narratives revealed personal experiences as well as common themes. A total of 3 themes emerged from the codes, the themes include (1) Initiation of substance abuse (2) Causes associated with substance abuse (3) Consequences of substance abuse. Conclusion: We conclude that the problem of substance abuse in Kashmir has assumed rising dimensions: curiosity, academic pressure, increasing economic stress, and easy accessibility are leading to initiation into substance abuse. It also reveals the harmful effects of substance abuse. Heroin is mostly used substance by abusers for the first time; substance abuse is on the rise, which is highly concerning for every member of society.

Oral Pathophysiology in Substance Abuse: A Systematic Analysis of Recreational and Medicinal Drug Impact with Forensic Correlations

Background: This manuscript explores the impact of recreational and medicinal drug abuse on oral health and its forensic implications. Drug abuse, whether recreational or through prescribed medications, has adverse effects on oral tissues. Materials: A comprehensive literature review covered various drug types, analyzing oral manifestations such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, xerostomia, oral mucosal lesions, and dental attrition. Results: Findings revealed severe oral health deterioration due to drug abuse, including tooth decay, gum tissue damage, dry mouth, and oral ulcers. Forensic implications were highlighted, linking oral health findings to drug abuse history in investigations. Conclusion: Collaborative efforts among dental practitioners, forensic experts, and toxicologists are crucial for reliable oral health assessments. Early identification of drug abuse cases can aid intervention and resolution of forensic cases. Understanding the oral health consequences of drug abuse plays a critical role in providing valuable evidence in forensic investigations.

DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG THE YOUTHS IN KEBBI STATE

Drug abuse among youths in kebbi has been a problem to the youths and the society in General. The consequences of drug abuse are not only on the individual user but also on his or her offspring, family and the society. Drugs abuse person will always lost his or her personalities in the society , it also make them to be dependent on some one due to laziness . Drug abuse is also a major public health, social and individual problem and is seen as an aggravating factor for economic crises; hence, for Nigeria’s poverty status. While youth are supposed to be the major agent of change and development, some of them have been destroyed by drug abuse . Drug abuse has a negative impact on the our Youth in their education arena. This work is expected to create awareness, expose and provide useful information to people especially to the youths on the effects of drug abuse.

Intervención sistémica en mujeres familiares de personas con abuso de sustancias adictivas

Introduction: drug abuse consequences affect the individual as a person but also their human relationships inside and outside of the family system. In accordance with systemic therapy, the individual in context and the context itself should be analyzed, because family’s life is organized around drug use and abuse. Usually women are the ones who tend to carry out and hold a pathological bond entitled codependency. Objective: the current study sets out then a family therapy intervention with the aim to have a positive impact on women with codependent behavior and as a result, modify their family organization patterns. Method: 10 group sessions were carried out under the structural and narrative family therapy perspective, with 16 women who presented codependency. Participants were assessed under a pre-post design with the codependency test (Noriega, 2011) and the family organization maps (Velasco&Sinibaldi, 2001). Results: the systematic intervention results toss a statistically significant reduction in the four dimensions of codependency, as well as in the family organization changes, which address a greater functionality in it. Discussion and conclusions: participants started with high codependency levels and dysfunctional parameters in their family organization, through the systemic group intervention they showed significant changes. With these tools, the participants were able to improve communication with other members and become aware of their place and role within their family system, which improved its functioning.

Role of the gut-brain axis in HIV and drug abuse-mediated neuroinflammation.

Drug abuse and related disorders are a global public health crisis affecting millions, but to date, limited treatment options are available. Abused drugs include but are not limited to opioids, cocaine, nicotine, methamphetamine, and alcohol. Drug abuse and human immunodeficiency virus-1/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV-1/AIDS) are inextricably linked. Extensive research has been done to understand the effect of prolonged drug use on neuronal signaling networks and gut microbiota. Recently, there has been rising interest in exploring the interactions between the central nervous system and the gut microbiome. This review summarizes the existing research that points toward the potential role of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of HIV-1-linked drug abuse and subsequent neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disorders. Preclinical data about gut dysbiosis as a consequence of drug abuse in the context of HIV-1 has been discussed in detail, along with its implications in various neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding this interplay will help elucidate the etiology and progression of drug abuse-induced neurodegenerative disorders. This will consequently be beneficial in developing possible interventions and therapeutic options for these drug abuse-related disorders.

Juveniles' Perception of Drug Crime Among Young People

Modern society is affected by the problem of drug addiction and drug crime on a global and national level, and the damaging consequences of drug abuse are extremely serious and widespread. The fact that minors are more often than before in the role of perpetrators of criminal acts related to narcotic drugs contributes to the additional seriousness of the overall situation. As the trend of drug crime among young people in the last few years indicates growing of this phenomenon in our society, the focus of our work will be determining the importance of certain factors on the perception of young people about drug crime. In order to achieve this task, we conducted a survey among high school students whose goal was to examine the influence of family environment and school environment factors, and also influence of certain media content on their perception of drug crime. A hundred students participated in this research. The research results show that the socio-demographic characteristics of young people do not have a significant impact on their perception of drug crime. The school environment, on the other hand, has a more dominant influence, due to the existence of convenient places for buying and selling drugs in close proximity to school, as well as the presence of people who "deal" drugs. In addition, minors are strongly influenced by their peers who previously had some experiences with the abuse of narcotic drugs. The research results indicate a high level of liking media content about drug crime among young people, but also an insufficiently developed awareness among them about the impact that such content has on them.

ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHARACTERISTICS OF TEENAGERS AND FAMILY FUNCTIONS ON TEENAGERS’ BEHAVIOR FOR CONSUMING DRUGS IN EAST JAVA

This research aims to analyze the relationship between the characteristics of teenagers and family functions as well as the understanding of narcotics, psychotropics, and addictive substances on the behavior of teenagers consuming drugs in East Java as a response variable with a binary scale. The data source obtained through secondary data from the Performance Survey and Accountability Program 2019 with the observation unit teenagers aged 10-24 years. The sample used is 4,649. The analytical method used is descriptive statistics, the Chi-square method, and Odds Ratio (OR). The percentage of adolescent consuming drugs is 4.1% descriptively. The relationship analysis shows that the variables significantly related to young people's behavior in consuming drugs are gender, place of residence, level of education, age group, religious values, and psychological consequences. From the OR figures concluded that young males are 3.2 times more at risk of consuming drugs than young females. From the aspect of family function, it can be inferred that the percentage of young substance abusers from families who apply religious values is greater than those who do not. The findings of this research show that the risk of young people from families who practice religious functions becoming substance abusers are 1.61 times more compared to families who do not practice it. The understanding of drugs is not always related to teenagers' behavior in consuming drugs, because those who understand the psychological consequences of substance abuse are also 1.64 times more at risk of using drugs compared to teenagers who do not understand.

Peer pressure and social adjustment as predictive indicators of substance abuse among selected sample of psychiatric patients in a teaching hospital in south-west, Nigeria

Substance abuse is a major public health challenge the world over. Adequate research connection has not been fully established between peer pressure and social adjustment as predictors of substance abuse particularly among psychiatric patient. Therefore, this study examined the roles of peer pressure and social adjustment in predicting perceived substance abuse among Psychiatric patients. Using cross-sectional survey design, 198 patients (Male=119; Female=79) participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 18-40 (M=28.45, SD=4.22). Instruments used were 10-item Peer Pressure Inventory (PPI), 45-item Social Adjustment Inventory (SA), and 10-item Drug Abuse Screening (DAS). Three hypotheses were formulated and tested. The result showed that, peer pressure (β=0.33; p<0.05 level of significance) and social adjustments (β=0.61;p<0.05 level of significance) were significant predictors of substance abuse among Psychiatric Patients. The result of the regression analysis showed that peer pressure (β=0.38,p<0.01) significantly predicted substance abuse, social adjustment (β=0.25,p<0.01) showed a significant relationship to substance abuse and the two variables jointly predicted substance abuse (F(2.198)=3.97,p<0.05). It was recommended that the health sector should engage in enlightenment campaign on the negative consequences of substance abuse among psychiatric patients.

Drug Abuse Among Nigerian Youth and Its Consequences – A Review of Literature


 
 
 
 The available evidences suggest that it is true that drugs are used for beneficial therapeutic purposes, effective substance for good health, but they are also being abused by people especially youths. They use it illegally and unlawfully, thus it becomes harmful to the body. Studies have described a growing impact of drug abuse among Nigerian youths to the extent of being considered a moral decadent. The Nigerian youths are deliberately using drugs illegally, unlawfully and intentionally. while many are ignorantly or knowingly depending on one drug or the other for their daily activities. The objective of this review is to highlight the dangers and consequences of drug abuse particularly among the Nigerian youths. The review, which consists of literature search of journals and chapters in books, provides an insight into common drugs and substances that are abused, causes of drug abuse, social effect, prevention or control measures and laboratory investigations. Hence, for its public health significance, there is an urgent call for increased vigilance and improved knowledge/research-driven approaches to the diagnosis and management of drugs and substance of abuse.
 
 
 

Pemahaman Teologi Islam Bagi Pecandu Narkoba Dalam Perilaku Agama dan Sosial

<p>Drugs are something that is inserted into the body, drugs spread like bacteria that can attack anyone, young or old, rich or poor, even today, many teenagers who fall into this are from harmonious families. In this analysis, the author proposes a theoretical approach which includes: Understanding theology in general, Definition of Drugs, Drugs in the view of Islam, Types of Drugs, Consequences of Drug Abuse, Drug Countermeasures, and Legal Basis for Drug Abuse that regulates it. Furthermore, the author puts forward an understanding of the Islamic Theology of Drug Addicts which includes the factors that cause drug addicts, Drug Addicts' Belief in God's Actions and Human Actions, and Drug Addict's Views on the Concept of Faith, Reward and Sin. The researcher's review of the understanding of Islamic theology for drug addicts in social and religious behavior, based on the existence of religious knowledge taught both by their families and by religious leaders, is still limited to religious knowledge possessed by ordinary people, it is proven that the way of understanding is still related to reason. and revelation.</p>

Codeine alters female reproductive function by targeting ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis via the induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

The rise in the abuse of codeine raises concerns about its impact on the health of users, and little has appeared on its effect on the female reproductive function. Therefore, this study evaluated the impact of codeine on female reproductive function. We administered codeine at low (2 mg/kg) and high (5 mg/kg) doses to female animals prior to mating for 8 weeks. In comparison with a vehicle-treated group, we then assessed the impact of codeine on body weight gain and ovarian weight, female sexual behaviour, ovarian steroidogenesis, and folliculogenesis. The role of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were also evaluated. Codeine at either dose elicited a profound deficit in the absolute and relative ovarian weight, indicative of ovarian toxicity. Also, codeine induced female sexual dysfunction, and suppressed ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis, with degeneration of the ovarian cytoarchitecture and follicles. The effects of codeine were associated with a rise in ovarian hydroxyl radical generation and oxidative stress, evident by an increase in ovarian malondialdehyde, a reduction in reduced glutathione, and a decline in the activities of ovarian enzymatic antioxidants. In addition, codeine triggered an increase in the ovarian concentration of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, and myeloperoxidase activity. Furthermore, codeine caused an increase in 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG), ovarian DNA fragmentation, and caspase-3 activity, suggestive of genotoxicity and apoptosis respectively. The current study provides some of the first evidence for the adverse effects of prolong codeine use on female sexual function, ovarian steroidogenesis, and folliculogenesis. It also emphasizes the reproductive health consequences of drug abuse.

Personal and Social Consequences of Psychotropic Substance Use: A Population-Based Internet Survey.

Background and objectives: Drug abuse has become a major worldwide health concern among all age groups. The present study analyses substance misuse and its social and personal consequences using a population-based internet survey in Spain. Materials and Methods: Screening for drug abuse (of alcohol, marijuana/hashish and psychostimulants) and its related risks and problems was performed using the Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble (CRAFFT) score. Socio-demographic factors, depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms as well as health habits were also evaluated. We used Linear regression methods to compare each variable’s individual contribution so as to determine which one best explains the results. Results: In this population-based study, 1224 people completed and returned the online survey. Of all participants, 57% reported consuming at least one substance based on the CRAFFT scale. While increasing age reduces the probability of personal and social consequences of consumption, people who smoke receive up to three times more (OR = 3.370) recommendations from family and friends to reduce their consumption. As for the type of substance, the consumption of marijuana increases the risk of forgetting (OR = 2.33) and the consumption of other psychostimulant substances almost triples the risk of consuming alone (OR = 2.965). Combining substances can increase the rate of driving a vehicle after consumption by 3.4 times. Conclusions: Although age, smoking and the type of substances used increase the risk of suffering from social and personal consequences of the use or abuse of substances, future studies are needed to determine the influence of new variables as a potential tool for treating and minimizing the adverse consequences of drug abuse.

Heroin Fatality in a Feline: A Case Report with Postmortem Liver Concentrations

A case of feline intoxication and fatality with the illicit drug heroin is described. A 5-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was recently diagnosed with an active pneumonitis and left at home for a couple of days under the care of another resident. Upon return, the owner found his cat dead with strong suspicion of foul play. The cat was necropsied by a local veterinary clinic to retrieve the liver for diagnostic toxicology. The postmortem liver sample screened positive for 6-acetylmorphine and 6-acetylcodeine by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Deconvolution techniques were applied to chromatograms, which revealed the additional presence of morphine and mirtazapine. Subsequent quantitation of mirtazapine, heroin, morphine, 6-acetylmorphine and 6-acetylcodeine was performed by gas chromatography--tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry. Although companion animal fatalities arising from toxicities are a likely consequence of drug abuse in a home, this is the first reported case of a malicious feline fatality resulting from heroin with quantitation of heroin metabolites.

\u201cI\u2019d Probably Be Dead Now\u201d: Evaluating the Impact of Theatre Practitioners Working on a Recovery-Based Community Drama Project

Aside from the often-fatal consequences of substance abuse, people recovering from addiction suffer greater adverse childhood experiences, trauma in adulthood, and inequalities than non-addicts. As a result, psychological, emotional, and developmental barriers can prevent effective recovery, leaving people traumatised, vulnerable, and doubly stigmatised. The challenge, therefore, is for recovery practitioners to deliver responses that not only treat biological problems resulting from addiction but also address psychological, social, and cultural needs. One group of professionals providing holistic approaches to people in recovery are arts-based practitioners. This paper derives from a 3-year longitudinal study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, to examine the psychosocial impact of one community-based drama project called Staging Recovery. The study found the work of theatre practitioners not only provided recovery participants safe spaces to explore sensitive and difficult recovery themes but the use of theatre techniques and ethically driven practice exposed participants to high-quality, social, cultural, and human capital.

High prevalence of recreational and illicit drug use in German people living with HIV with a potential for drug-drug interactions with antiretroviral therapy.

Recreational drug use is higher in people living with HIV (PLHIV) than in the general population in Europe. This use increases the risk for drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and adverse events. We assessed the prevalence and clinical consequences of substance abuse among PLHIV. BESIDE was a cross-sectional, multi-center study in 2016/18, evaluating comorbidities, polypharmacy and recreational/illicit drug use in PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Germany. Legal and illicit drug use was recorded using two anonymous patient questionnaires one year apart (Q1 and Q2). The BESIDE study population consisted of 453 PLHIV (22% female, median age 46 years). Recreational drug use was reported by the majority (Q1: ever used 73%, within previous 6 months 56%): nitrite inhalants ("poppers"), cannabis and PDE-5 inhibitors were common across all age groups; ecstasy, (meth-)amphetamine and gamma-hydroxybutyrate/gamma-butyrolactone were predominantly reported by younger PLHIV. Based on Q2, two-thirds of PLHIV (67%) had been informed about potential risks of drug abuse by their doctors, whereas one-third (33%) had talked to their doctors on their own initiative with only 7% considering drug use in combination with ART a problem. Strikingly, 44% and 42% had undergone medical treatment or had been hospitalized due to drug use. These data emphasize the high clinical relevance of recreational drug use in PLHIV and the need for treating physicians to pro-actively communicate the potential risks.