Background Amphetamine dependence is a major global public health challenge. Antipsychotics and antidepressants have been utilized as adjuvant therapies for amphetamine dependence. However, results from clinical trials remain inconsistent. Hence, this study aims to evaluate prescribing patterns of antipsychotics, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and antiepileptics in the management of amphetamine dependence and predictive factors of abstinence in Saudi Arabia.Methods This retrospective study involved 110 male patients admitted primarily for amphetamine use. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, pharmacological interventions, and treatment outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted.Results Amphetamine was the predominant substance used (99.1%). Most patients received antidepressants (81.8%) and antipsychotics (60.0%), primarily as dual therapy. Sustained abstinence was achieved in 30.9% of participants. Baseline sociodemographic characteristics were similar between the abstinent and non-abstinent groups. In unadjusted analyses, participants who achieved sustained abstinence had lower mean daily use frequency than those who did not. In the adjusted logistic regression model, no predictor reached conventional statistical significance.Conclusion Antidepressants and antipsychotics were commonly prescribed in the management of amphetamine dependence in this Saudi cohort. Although lower daily use frequency was associated with sustained abstinence in unadjusted analysis, no independent predictor remained statistically significant after multivariable adjustment.
Background or Objective This study investigates these security risks in Eastview High Suburb, Goromonzi. The research is framed by Social Disorganization Theory. It examines how drug use disrupts community safety and order.Methods A qualitative approach and case study design were adopted. The target population comprised 1,350 individuals. These included residents, law enforcement, and rehabilitation professionals. A sample of 87 participants was selected. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were applied. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted. Data were collected from community youths, police, and NGO officials.Results Drug use significantly fuels various criminal activities. These include theft, assault, and sexual violence. Entire neighborhoods have become "no-go zones" due to fear. Corruption emerged as a critical and alarming finding. Certain drug dealers are perceived as "untouchable" figures. This protection comes from their political connections. Such corruption severely weakens law enforcement effectiveness.Conclusions Drug use is both a symptom and cause of social disorganization. Crime wave reflects deeper community breakdown. Corruption compounds the drug problem significantly. Interventions must target both crime and corruption. Restoring community cohesion is vital for sustainable solutions. Rebuilding state legitimacy is equally essential. Holistic approaches are necessary to address this crisis.
Background Substance use in pregnancy is a substantial public health issue in the United States. Screening for substance use disorder (SUD) in pregnancy has the potential to identify a pregnant individual with SUD, provide brief intervention, and referral to treatment, with the potential to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.Methods For this quality improvement initiative, screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) was introduced during a staff in-service. Rates of SBIRT were measured and compared to pre-implementation rates. A survey was circulated to providers to assess the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of SBIRT. SBIRT was implemented. An identical survey was circulated post-implementation. Screening for SUD in pregnancy was performed by nursing staff. Brief intervention, and referral to treatment, if applicable, was performed by an obstetrical provider.Results Screening for SUD increased from 88.6% to 93%. There were six positive NIDA screens with no appropriate brief intervention and referral to treatment performed. There was no statistically significant change between pre- and post-implementation surveys of the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of SBIRT.Conclusions The completion of brief intervention and referral to treatment faced obstacles in an outpatient obstetrical setting. Further research is warranted for recommendations to surmount these obstacles.
