The Pattern of Substance Use and Characteristics of the Individuals Enrolled in Residential Treatment at Selected Rehabilitation Centers in Sri Lanka: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Substance use becomes censorious when it leads to harmful effects on individuals, their families, and the community. The nature of substance use in Sri Lankan context is poorly understood and empirical evidences are sparse. The study aimed to describe patterns of substance use and characteristics of the individuals enrolled in residential treatment at selected rehabilitation centers in Sri Lanka. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 205 individuals enrolled in selected rehabilitation centers. Pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Most of the individuals who enrolled in residential treatment at selected rehabilitation centers were unmarried (n = 124, 60.5%), Sinhala (n = 186, 90.7%), Buddhist (n = 166, 81.0%), males (n = 202, 98.5%) and belonged to the young adult age (18-35 years) category (n = 178, 86.8%). All the participants were poly-drug users and cannabis was the most commonly used (n = 183, 89.3%) illicit drug followed by heroin (n = 172, 83.9%), methamphetamine (n = 150, 73.2%) and cocaine (n = 78, 38%). The most (n = 152, 74.1%) problematic substance for life was heroin. Most of the participants (n = 149, 72.7%) had used drugs several times per day. The mean duration of substance use was 7 ± 5 years. Participants (n = 177, 86.3%) reported that the substances were available in their residential areas and their friends (n = 197, 96.1%) were also using the substances. Conclusions: Pattern of substance use and characteristics of the individuals were unique in Sri Lanka and need to be considered when implementing and strengthening the programs for drug prevention and rehabilitation.

Characteristics of drug users admitted in Lido Rehabilitation Center during 2022

“…The highest percentages were due to peer/partner pressure (37.18%) and curiosity (29.92%), followed by sleep or other psychological disturbances (6.84%), attending certain events (5.98%), low self-spirit (4.72%), family related issues (4.27%), enjoyment (3.41%), work/customer pressure (3.00%), grief (1.70%), unemployment (1.70%), and divorce (1.28%). This finding is similar to the study of Akila et al where the percentages of these two reasons were up to 79% [34], [35]. Drug use behaviors are usually driven by various needs, such as socializing with other people, escaping from negative feelings, wanting to look more masculine or popular, and having a relationship with a person who uses drugs [36].…”

“…Drug use behaviors are usually driven by various needs, such as socializing with other people, escaping from negative feelings, wanting to look more masculine or popular, and having a relationship with a person who uses drugs [36]. In another study, this behavior can also be associated with limited leisure resources, leisure opportunities, low religiosity, living in vulnerable areas surrounded by neighbors who use drugs, and experiencing unpleasant events during childhood increased the risk of drug use [35], [37].…”

Perceived effectiveness of therapeutic community model as a rehabilitation approach for Sri Lankan individuals with substance use disorder

“…SUD can be effectively managed using various pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions and treatments which are delivered as residential or outpatient treatments (UNODC, 2020). Inpatient medical detoxification, outpatient medical detoxification, short- and long-term residential rehabilitation (Jayamaha et al , 2022) and outpatient counseling (National Institute of Mental Health, 2017) are the treatment services available in Sri Lanka to treat the individuals with SUD. Because of the chronic relapsing nature of SUD, sever users require continuous care rather than an episodic treatment approach (Mclellan et al , 2000).…”