On substance abuse in Kuwait (1992–1997)

Radovanović, Zoran; Pilcher, C.W.T.; Al-Nakib, Tahsin M.; Shihab-Eldeen, Aida

doi:10.1016/s0899-3289(01)00057-8

Cited by 9 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Additionally, most studies that have been previously conducted in Kuwait were outdated survey-based studies that did not rely on solid analytical data generated by laboratory-based experiments [ 13 , 14 ]. Moreover, the only previous analytical-based study is outdated [ 15 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Snapshot of narcotic drugs and psychoactive substances in Kuwait: analysis of illicit drugs use in Kuwait from 2015 to 2018

Al-Matrouk¹,

M²,

Naqi³

et al. 2021

BMC Public Health

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Background The misuse of illicit substances is associated with increased morbidity and mortality; thus, substance abuse is a global health concern. The Arabian Gulf region is considered a crossing point and a consumer of illicit drugs. However, a lack of laboratory-based research has limited the scientific assessment of drug misuse in the Arabian Gulf region. Thus, an up-to-date analytical representation of the drug situation is warranted. Methods We investigated the type and quantity of detained narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances from 2015 to 2018, representing a population of approximately 4 million people, in addition to the number of abusers and mortality among abusers. In total, 6220 cases from the Narcotic and Psychotropic Laboratory and 17,755 cases from the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory were reviewed and analyzed. Substances were identified and documented using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results Cannabis, including marijuana, was the most seized substance, followed by heroin, opium, and cocaine. Amphetamines, including methamphetamine, in the form of powder or pills, were seized in larger quantities than other psychoactive substances. The most consumed substances were, in order, amphetamines (including methamphetamine), benzodiazepines, cannabis, and heroin. We identify the common drugs in postmortem specimens, according to sex, from suspected drug-related deaths. The most common single drug identified were heroin, benzodiazepines, and methamphetamine. Similarly, the multiple-drug cocktail of heroin–benzodiazepines, cannabis–benzodiazepines, and cannabis–amphetamines, were detected frequently. Conclusions The data shows that cannabis is the leading type of illicit substance seized. Deaths resulting from benzodiazepines and heroin abuse were the highest in the single drug category, while heroin-benzodiazepines combination deaths were the highest in the multiple-drug category. Methamphetamine was the most abused illicit drug in Kuwait. These findings revealed the illicit drug abuse situation in the State of Kuwait, in a region that suffers from the scarcity of information regarding illicit substances. Thus, providing valuable information for drug enforcement, forensic analyst, health workers on national and international levels.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Radovanovic et al assessed the prevalence and trend of different psychoactive substances in Kuwait from 1992 to 1997 by screening 3781 biological samples [ 15 ]. According to the study, the most used substances were as follows: cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, opiate, and amphetamine.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Snapshot of narcotic drugs and psychoactive substances in Kuwait: analysis of illicit drugs use in Kuwait from 2015 to 2018

Al-Matrouk¹,

M²,

Naqi³

et al. 2021

BMC Public Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Additionally, most studies that have been previously conducted in Kuwait were outdated survey-based studies that did not rely on solid analytical data generated by laboratory-based experiments [13,14]. Moreover, the only previous analytical-based study is outdated [15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to the study, the most used substances were as follows: cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, opiate, and amphetamine. Other drugs were also identi ed but at insigni cant levels; these included methadone, cocaine, and phencyclidine [15]. However, the information gained in that study was based only on a preliminary analysis (screening tests) of biological samples and is now outdated.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Snapshot of narcotic drugs and psychoactive substances in Kuwait: a qualitative analysis of illicit drugs and their associated mortality in Kuwait from 2015 to 2018

Al-Matrouk

Al-Hasan²,

Naqi³

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Background: The misuse of illicit substances is associated with increased morbidity and mortality; thus, substance abuse is a global health concern. However, a lack of laboratory-based research has limited the scientific assessment of drug misuse in the Arabian Gulf region. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to assess the problem of illicit drugs in Kuwait using laboratory-based analyses. Methods: We investigated the type and quantity of detained narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances from 2015 to 2018, number of abusers, and mortality among abusers. In total, 6220 cases from the Narcotic and Psychotropic Laboratory and 17,755 cases from the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory were reviewed and analyzed. Substances were identified and documented using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results: Cannabis, including marijuana, was the most seized substance, followed by heroin, opium, and cocaine. Amphetamines, including methamphetamine, in the form of powder or pills, were seized in larger quantities than other psychoactive substances. Benzodiazepines, tramadol, Khat, synthetic cannabinoids, and psilocin were also seized. The most consumed substances were, in order, amphetamines (including methamphetamine), benzodiazepines, cannabis, and heroin. Drug misuse was considerably higher among men than among women. We report the death rate associated with the abuse of various illegal drugs according to sex. The mortality rate associated with single-drug use was the highest among abusers of heroin, benzodiazepines, and methamphetamine. The mortality rate asscoaited with multiple-drug use was the highest among abusers of heroin–benzodiazepines, cannabis–benzodiazepines, and cannabis–amphetamines. Conclusions: Our study shows the changing trends in quantity and variety of substances illegally abused and marketed in Kuwait. Additionally, we report a direct gender-based association between mortality and consumption of certain substances. These findings suggest that there is a growing need to conduct larger scale studies to implement new strategies, policies, and interventions in populations affected by illicit drugs.

show abstract

“…Additionally, most studies that have been previously conducted in Kuwait were outdated survey-based studies that did not rely on solid data generated by laboratory-based experiments [13,14]. Moreover, the only previous analytical-based study is outdated [15].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Snapshot of narcotic drugs and psychoactive substances in Kuwait: a qualitative analysis of illicit drugs and their associated mortality in Kuwait from 2015 to 2018

Al-Matrouk¹,

M²,

Ha³

et al. 2020

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background The misuse of illicit substances is associated with increased morbidity and mortality; thus, substance abuse is a global health concern. However, a lack of laboratory-based research has limited the scientific assessment of drug misuse in the Arabian Gulf region. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to assess the problem of illicit drugs in Kuwait using laboratory-based analyses. Methods We investigated the type and quantity of detained narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances from 2015 to 2018, number of abusers, and mortality among abusers. In total, 6220 cases from the Narcotic and Psychotropic Laboratory and 17,755 cases from the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory were reviewed and analyzed. Substances were identified and documented using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results Cannabis, including marijuana, was the most seized substance, followed by heroin, opium, and cocaine. Amphetamines, including methamphetamine, in the form of powder or pills, were seized in larger quantities than other psychoactive substances. Benzodiazepines, tramadol, Khat, synthetic cannabinoids, and psilocin were also seized. The most consumed substances were, in order, amphetamines (including methamphetamine), benzodiazepines, cannabis, and heroin. Drug misuse was considerably higher among men than among women. We report the death rate associated with the abuse of various illegal drugs according to sex. The mortality rate associated with single-drug use was the highest among abusers of heroin, benzodiazepines, and methamphetamine. The mortality rate asscoaited with multiple-drug use was the highest among abusers of heroin–benzodiazepines, cannabis–benzodiazepines, and cannabis–amphetamines. Conclusions Our study shows the changing trends in quantity and variety of substances illegally abused and marketed in Kuwait. Additionally, we report a direct gender-based association between mortality and consumption of certain substances. These findings suggest that there is a growing need to conduct larger scale studies to implement new strategies, policies, and interventions in populations affected by illicit drugs.

show abstract

On substance abuse in Kuwait (1992–1997)

Cited by 9 publications

References 11 publications

Snapshot of narcotic drugs and psychoactive substances in Kuwait: analysis of illicit drugs use in Kuwait from 2015 to 2018

Snapshot of narcotic drugs and psychoactive substances in Kuwait: analysis of illicit drugs use in Kuwait from 2015 to 2018

Snapshot of narcotic drugs and psychoactive substances in Kuwait: a qualitative analysis of illicit drugs and their associated mortality in Kuwait from 2015 to 2018

Snapshot of narcotic drugs and psychoactive substances in Kuwait: a qualitative analysis of illicit drugs and their associated mortality in Kuwait from 2015 to 2018

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