Socio-demographic correlates of substance use disorder patients seeking de-addiction services in Kashmir India -A cross sectional study

Background: Kashmir valley is thought to be one of the hardest hit places with drug use and the scenario worsened by the prevailing turmoil. The present study was undertaken to find the epidemiological profile and pattern of drug use in patients seeking treatment at De-addiction Centres in Srinagar India. Methods: The present cross sectional study, was conducted at two Drug De-addiction and treatment Centers in Srinagar. Total of 125 Substance Use Disorder Patients were interviewed by using pretested semi-structured proforma, emphasizing on socio-demographic profile and reasons for starting use of substance. Results: Majority (50.4%) of patients belonged to young and productive age group. Most of the patients started taking substances in the age group of 10-19 years and more so in case of nicotine (76.8%), volatile substances (76.9%) and cannabis (70.5%). Besides nicotine (89.6%), the most common substances used were cannabis (48.8%), codeine (48%), propoxyphene (37.6%), alcohol (36.8%) and benzodiazepines (36%). Peer pressure was the most common (72.8%) reason for starting the use of substance. Conclusion:There is need for further studies to find the community prevalence of drug use. The service provision is very limited restricted to the capital city and none in the rural areas. There is a worrying trend of early age of initiation with adverse consequences including dropping out of school. The control of prescription drug use is another major issue which needs to be addressed. It is also worrying that female drug users are not able to seek help due to lack of appropriate facilities