Patterns and sociodemographic characteristics of substance abuse in Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia: a retrospective study at a psychiatric rehabilitation center

CONCLUSION:There was an increased use of polysubstances and amphetamine with a decreased abuse of prescription drugs when compared to previous studies reported in Saudi Arabia. There was a decreasing prevalence for heroin and alcohol. Substance abusers have certain epidemiological, social and drug patterns and we recommend that authorities and planners integrate their efforts to look for the reasons for substance abuse. LIMITATIONS: Females not included and prevalence of tobacco smoking not studied. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.  
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 5 Source Type: research