Stigma and Substance Use Disorder in Pakistan: A Comparison Over Drug Taking Duration
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of present study was to compare level of stigma over drug taking duration among male drug addicts (including mild, moderate severe and relapse) in Pakistan.
STUDY DESIGN
Cross sectional research design was used in this study
PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY
The research was conducted during the period of December, 2019 to December, 2020. The sample was collected from different drug treatment and rehabilitation centres located in Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore and Faisalabad cities of Pakistan.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
In current study, 508 male drug addicts (i.e. 125 mild, 125 moderate,132 severe and 126 relapse drug addicts) were selected from different drug treatment and rehabilitation centres located in major cities of Pakistan. After taking consent, Substance Abuse Self-Stigma Scale was used to collect the data.
RESULTS
The results showed differences in stigma among mild, moderate severe and relapse male drug addicts.
KEY WORDS
Stigma, Substance Use Disorder, Mental Health