Moodist Substance Abuse Research Report Published!
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- Moodist Substance Abuse Research Report Published!
Private Moodist Hospital The study was conducted with 550 substance addicts undergoing inpatient treatment. A questionnaire created by the authors was used in the study. The form includes questions asking at what age the life events related to substance abuse took place. The form was filled out by interviewing the addicts and then the data obtained were analyzed.
The average age at first substance use was found to be 16 years. Approximately one third of the addicts (.7) started using substances for the first time before the age of 14. It is noteworthy that three fourth of them started using before the age of 18. Therefore, the age of 18 and before is of great importance.
The average age at which there is a serious deterioration in educational life is 16 years old. At the age when they first start using substances, their educational life also deteriorates. The deterioration of their educational life may be a sign of substance use. On the other hand, they may also start using substances because their educational life is disrupted.
It is noteworthy that they started using substances regularly 2 years after they started using substances for the first time (at an average age of 18). Three quarters of the respondents (.2) started using substances regularly before the age of 21. Interventions before regular substance use can prevent regular substance use. Therefore, it is important to apply for treatment at an early stage.
They start using substances during daytime hours around the age of 19. Regular substance use quickly spills over into daytime hours.
Heavy drug use starts around the age of 20. On average, heavy drug use starts 4 years after the first use. Under the age of 18, the rate of those who say they use hard drugs is . Heavy drug use increases the likelihood of detection because it disrupts life more. On the other hand, if detected early and treatment is initiated, the transition to hard drugs can be prevented.
of the addicts who participated in the study stated that they used intravenous drugs. Initiation of intravenous substance use occurs around the age of 23. Observing and waiting for intravenous use causes delay. Help should be sought in the early period.
Approximately one third of the addicts (.9) had received mental treatment at least once. Approximately half of them (.3) stated that they had received mental treatment at least once before the age of 21. The average age of receiving mental treatment is 20. In other words, the need for psychiatric treatment arises when substance abuse or heavy drug use starts during daytime hours. This finding points to the importance of questioning substance use in young people who apply to psychiatric treatment.
Only one fourth of the addicts who participated in the study reported that they had problems related to substance use before the age of 18. Problems related to substance use are around the age of 22. Since they do not experience problems at an early age, it is more difficult for them to be recognized. As the duration of substance use increases and the amount of substance used increases, problems are more likely to occur. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor them more carefully at an early age.
The average age at first treatment is 24. This means treatment 8 years after first starting to use substances they resort to treatment. Earlier treatment is important for the success of treatment and for preventing or minimizing harm.
The average age at which substance use is recognized by the family is 21. This means that family; 5 years after starting substance use, 3 years after starting regular substance use, 2 years after starting daytime substance use, is becoming aware of the situation. This is an indication that it is understood too late. This finding shows the importance of widespread family trainings.
The age of referral to psychiatric treatment and the age at which the family learned about substance use coincided at approximately the same time. This finding can be explained by the fact that mental problems attract the attention of the family. The presence of mental problems facilitates the recognition of addiction problems.
22 years is the average age at which serious problems with the family occur. There are serious problems with the family after the family realizes the situation.
The first treatment referral occurs about 3 years after the family notices. It takes time to bring the family to treatment. Therefore, even if the user does not come to treatment, it is very necessary to provide counseling for the family.
