A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE DURATION OF DRUG USE AMONG SUBSTANCE ABUSERS WITH PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS

Abstract

This is a descriptive study of substance users who were diagnosed with mental illness receiving treatment in government facilities, including 1,000 patients from 10 provinces nationwide and related persons with a total of 4,513 people. Data were collected through interviews and patient medical records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA.

The research findings revealed a demographic breakdown of the sample, with 93.0% being male, 20.0% falling into the youth category (under 24 years old), and 64.0% being single. Additionally, 43.5% were unemployed, 14.8% resided with an alcoholic, and 14.8% lived with another individual. Notably, 17.4% utilized drugs to manage irregularities, while 71.3% had relatives or close associates who were drug users. Moreover, 79.2% of the participants had undergone prior drug and psychiatric treatments. Psychiatric symptoms identified included paranoia, alongside other indicators of mental distress such as irritability, aggression, impulsivity, decreased restraint, hallucinations, delusions, and confusion, which could potentially lead to violent behavior. Among the sample group, 66.9% initiated drug use with amphetamines, with the earliest reported age of onset being 10 years old and the average age of initiation being 19 years. Presently, 73.9% predominantly use methamphetamine (YABA and ICE). Furthermore, 44.4% engaged in polydrug use, consuming multiple substances concurrently. Individuals experiencing drug-induced psychosis had an average duration of drug use of 12.5 years. Analysis based on the type of drug causing psychotic symptoms revealed differing durations of use; heroin users averaged 18.8 years of use, methamphetamine users averaged 12.4 years, and marijuana users averaged 15.7 years. Significantly varied durations of drug use were observed (P<0.0001).