Changing pattern of substance abuse in patients attending a de-addiction centre in north India (1978–2008)

Basu D, Aggarwal M, Das PP, Mattoo SK, Kulhara P, Varma VK · PGIMER Chandigarh

Indian Journal of Medical Research, 2012;135(6):830–836 · PMID: 22825602

ABSTRACT

Background: Patterns of abused psychoactive substances change over time; it is important to document such changes. Methods: Retrospective review of all case notes at the PGIMER Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre from September 1978 to December 2008 — a 30-year longitudinal record. Comparisons made across three decades: 1978–1988, 1989–1998, and 1999–2008.TRS schizophrenia · Clozapine · North India.

30-year dataset · 3 decade comparison · Full cohort

KEY FINDINGS

• Registered patient numbers increased eight-fold over three decades

• Age of patients presenting for treatment decreased over time

• Opioid dependence increased across decades: 36.8% → 42.9% → 53.2% (p<0.001)

• Natural opioids declined (47.4% → 26.5% → 18.3%); replaced by prescription opioids — buprenorphine, codeine, dextropropoxyphene

• Tobacco and sedative-hypnotic dependence also increased; inhalant abuse emerged in the third decade

• Polysubstance dependence increased significantly across all three decades (p<0.001)