CHANGE IN PATTERN OF SUBSTANCE USE AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH-EAST INDIA

Abstract

Addiction is a complex interplay between conscious and unconscious mental processes. It starts with a conscious decision to obtain  drugs, but the drugs stimulates neurons to produce dopamine and sometimes other chemicals in the brain , an unconscious activity  takes over the brain function Addiction creates havocs  in peoples lives, their jobs, health or their spouse, may end up in poverty or in prison or leads to death. Repeated abuse has erodes brains ability to control desires and emotions, robs us our will, our ability to select freely among the several possible course of actions.

In our study 69.3% substance users were below 40 years with a average age of 36.01 years. Most common users were Hindus. Majority of drug users were using alcohol (80%) followed by tobacco and cannabis. It is seen that there is a changing pattern of substance use from the period of 2007-11 to period 2012-16. cannabis were increased from 17.39% (2007-2011) to 31.4%( 2012-16); same way opioid was increased from 2.3% to 5.4%; benzodiazepine 1.8% to 2.8%; inhalant 2.1% to 6.15%; polysubsatnce 13.7% to 16%. Most common reason for reporting to hospital were substance  dependence and psychosis.