Patterns Of Drug Misuse Research Articles

Long-Term Drug Misuse Increases the Risk of Cognitive Dysfunctions in Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: Key Intervention Targets for Reducing Dropout and Reoffending.

Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) is a major public health problem, with an important mortality rate in women across the world. In this regard, it has been well-established that drug misuse explains (at least in part) an increased risk of IPVAW perpetration. Even though alcohol is the most widely studied drug underlying IPVAW, other drugs, such as cannabis and cocaine also seem to be significant indicators of this type of violence. Nonetheless, little is known about mediators, such as cognitive domains that facilitate proneness to violence after drug consumption. Therefore, the primary objective of the present study was to compare drug misuse patterns and cognitive performance in a carefully selected sample of IPVAW perpetrators (n = 63) and a group of non-violent men (control group; n = 39). Second, we also aimed to study the association between different patterns of drug misuse and cognitive performance and several facets of IPVAW perpetration (i.e., severity of injuries and type of aggression). Our results revealed that IPVAW perpetrators showed considerably higher levels of sustained drug misuse (alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and heroin) for years and worse cognitive performance than controls. Moreover, the highest drug misuse sustained over time was related to the worst cognitive performance and the highest IPVAW severity. Finally, alcohol and cocaine seemed to be related to IPVAW and risk of reoffending. Whereas, cannabis, heroin, and MDMA were related to the existence of a previous criminal record (delinquency without violence). Hence, research in this field would help to develop coadjutant treatments and intervention packages to reduce drug misuse in the initial stages, which in turn would reduce cognitive impairments in IPVAW perpetrators. These expected improvements might produce an increase in treatment adherence and a decrease in the risk of future IPVAW reoffending.

Young people and substance misuse

In the UK in 2017, 9% of pupils aged 11–15 reported having drunk alcohol in the previous week, which is the lowest rate since the 1980s. Illegal drug use in the previous year reported by 15-year olds halved between 2001 and 2014. Despite these promising figures, adolescence is deemed to be decisive for future biopsychosocial development and performance. Initiation during adolescence may therefore have long-term implications, affecting mental performance and educational outcomes. This article focuses on patterns of drug misuse in teenagers. The warning signs of drug misuse and useful assessment tools are also introduced. For the purposes of this article, alcohol will be defined as a drug.

Psychiatric morbidity and socio-occupational dysfunction in residents of a drug rehabilitation centre: challenges of substance misuse management in a Bruneian context

Aims and method In 2011, a psychiatric clinic was started in Pusat Al-Islah, a drug rehabilitation centre. Our aim was to record self-reported socio-occupational dysfunction and patterns of drug misuse and to evaluate the usefulness of a psychiatric screening tool. A two-phased approach using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to examine the rates of psychiatric diagnoses.Results Methamphetamine was the most commonly misused substance in 94.5% of residents. High levels of socio-occupational dysfunction were reported. In total, 5.5% met criteria for major depressive disorder, 4.8% for lifetime psychotic disorder and 11.5% for suicidal ideation. In addition, 13.3% reported previous untreated mental health problems.Clinical implications A screening tool such as the SRQ can be used to identify those needing further psychiatric assessment. Interventions to address amphetamine misuse and associated socio-occupational dysfunction are required. Societal views and legislation influence the management of substance misuse problems in Brunei.

EPA-0861 – Patterns of drug misuse on guernsey, british channel islands

Introduction Guernsey is a British Protectorate island (population 65000) in the English Channel. Illicit drugs are difficult to import and expensive people look to alternative substances. Objectives To establish patterns of drug misuse among patients referred for treatment. Methods Case note audit of all referred patients in 2011, cross referenced with sudden unexpected death case review results. Results 198 patients were referred, 80 (40%) for mainly drug dependency. Reported patterns of use tended to follow local availability and polydrug misuse was common. Of the drugs clients, 96% reported misusing prescription only medicines (POMs) and over the counter (OTC) drugs, particularly opiates and benzodiazepines. Buprenorphine products were most commonly misused (26%), followed by benzodiazepines (25%), dihydrocodeine (22%), heroin (11%) and codeine (6%) (more than 1 drug may be reported so totals Conclusions High rates of pharmaceutical drug misuse on Guernsey may reflect the low availability of illicit drugs like heroin and cocaine. This increases demand for addictive POMs and OTCs. Prescribers in isolated communities need to be more cautious when prescribing addictive POMs, particularly fentanyl. Pharmacists may also need to monitor for OTC drug misuse, particularly of codeine-containing medications.

Drug Misuse Among University Students in the UK: Implications for Prevention

Aims: The aim of the research was to identify the types of drugs currently being used by university students, their involvement in multiple drug misuse and drug combinations, and the consequences of drug misuse in terms of associated harms. Methods: The research was based on an email survey of all first- and second-year students registered as undergraduates at a university in south Wales during October 2012. Results: The results of the research showed that drug misuse on the university campus studied was widespread in terms of the types and patterns of drug misuse. The most troublesome findings concern the high levels of multiple drug use, the use of some of the most dangerous drugs (including crack and powder cocaine and heroin, as well as ketamine), and the list of recorded harms experienced as a result of drug misuse. Conclusions: The article concludes that little attention has been paid outside of the United States to drug use among university students or to interventions designed to prevent it. However, there are signs that government policy in the United Kingdom is beginning to pay attention to the specific problems of drug misuse among university students.

Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Drug Misuse in a Polytechnic in Lagos, Nigeria

Rationale/Objectives of the study: Drug use and misuse remain a critical problem in most countries and are associated with varied social and economical consequences. It includes self medication and abuse of psychoactive substances. The specific objective of the study were to assess the socio-demographic characteristics and pattern of drug misuse among the students of a Polytechnic in Lagos. Research design: The study was carried out using a self reporting anonymous questionnaire modified and adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO), student drug survey proforma(1). The study population consisted of 210 students, 140 males and 70 females from the 5 levels of polytechnic education. Main findings: Over 71% of the respondents acceded to drug misuse. This cuts across age, sex and educational levels. The modal age group of students who used un-prescribed drugs was 20–24 years. Almost all the class levels of respondents have above 60% use of un-prescribed drugs. There is a positive statistical association between the use of un-prescribed drugs and the level of education. (p

Emerging Trend of Drug Abuse Pattern in India: The Role of Urine Testing

Background There is worldwide consensus that misuse of narcotics and psychoactive substances is on the rise, and India is no exception to this. Poly drug use is now a well-established pattern of drug misuse. To complement the effects of preferred drugs, users select a substitute from a range of drugs. In India, street heroin (commonly known as brown sugar) is mainly used by chasing or smoking. The abused drug and its abuse pattern form an important part of medical history without which a proper treatment schedule cannot be planned. Aims In view of the changing pattern of drug abuse, the study was planned to examine the emerging trend of drug addiction from a laboratory perspective. Results Of 1509 urine samples received over a 1-year period, a significant change in drug abuse pattern was evident when present data was compared with previous data from our center (P 95% of addicts fell in the age group of 14–45 years. A significant correlation (P Conclusion Laboratory findings have supported clinical reports where addiction to compounds other than heroin has been reported to be on the rise. There is need to restrict usage of these drugs especially in the younger age groups.

Does Ulster Still Say No? Drugs, Politics, and Propaganda in Northern Ireland Contemporary Issues concerning Illicit Drug Use in the British Isles

Considerable emphasis has been placed in Northern Ireland as elsewhere upon providing an estimate of the prevalence and pattern of drug misuse, yet despite the importance of this information, a less than adequate picture has emerged. In this paper, divided into three sections, we attempt to layout and explore the assemblage of factors influencing drug misuse in Northern Ireland and subsequently our knowledge of it. In the first section we endeavor to demonstrate that drug use, distribution, and policy cannot be examined in isolation from the politics and practices of the protagonists to the conflict in Northern Ireland. In the second we critically review existing data on drug misuse ranging from the various public health and law enforcement indicators through to the limited emprical research avaliable. The final section makes urgent calls for quality research in Northern Ireland that would be instrumental in influencing effective drug policy and practice.

A primer on drug utilization review.

Many health care organizations evaluate drug utilization to improve the quality of patient care, reduce pharmaceutical expenditures, and enhance therapeutic outcomes. The Drug Regimen Review, instituted in 1974 as part of a quality assurance program for the care of Medicaid recipients, has reduced medication use, medication errors, adverse drug reactions, and drug-drug interactions. The Drug Usage Evaluation, a sophisticated analysis of drugs, their uses, and their contributions to various patient outcomes, is performed by member institutions of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The 1990 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA '90) established the Drug Utilization Review (DUR), which was implemented by state Medicaid outpatient prescription programs in 1993. Pharmacists performing DURs must review past patterns of drug misuse, monitor current therapy, and offer patient counseling. Drug utilization reviews have reduced inappropriate drug use and decreased drug costs.

The Marihuana Habit

To the Editor.— As a continuous observer of the abused drug scene over the past 15 years, it has intrigued me to watch the continuously changing pattern of drug misuse. 1-3 Within the past year I have noted in patients in my private practice and elsewhere a significant shift in the use of marihuana among certain percentage of those involved with drugs. Although it has frequently been stated professionally and in the press that marihuana is not physically addicting, whatever that means, I have noted an increasing number of patients recently who have come to me strictly for relief of a marihuana habit . In their view, they have felt a compulsion. You may call it psychological if you wish, but as far as I am concerned, it is a considerably stronger and urgent force. It is my impression at this point that probably 10% to 20% of those who use