IMPACT OF PROXIMAL RELATIONSHIPS ON DRUG USE: A STUDY IN THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITIES

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO DRUG USE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN KAZAKHSTAN: QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS BASED ON IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS

Drug addiction remains one of the most pressing issues in modern society, requiring a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of psychoactive substance use and pathways to recovery. The aim of this study is to identify the key factors contributing to the onset of psychoactive substance use among young people, as well as the systemic barriers preventing them from receiving effective support. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with ten adult men aged 25-36 years who had personal experience of drug dependence and were at various stages of recovery in Astana, Kazakhstan. Particular attention is paid to the role of digital technologies in increasing access to drugs and the influence of the family environment on the development of vulnerability to addiction. These two dimensions were not predetermined at the outset of the study but emerged inductively from the thematic analysis as the most analytically distinctive findings of this sample within the Kazakhstani context. The results demonstrate the multifactorial nature of drug use. The dominant factor is peer pressure, particularly from trusted individuals such as older siblings or close friends. The main barriers to seeking help are the fear of stigma, a compulsory registration system, the financial inaccessibility of effective individual rehabilitation, and an acute shortage of qualified addiction treatment specialists. The phenomenon of comorbid addiction, in which gambling and drug use reinforce one another, requires particular attention when developing support programmes. The practical significance of this work lies in the formulation of specific recommendations for government bodies aimed at reforming the support system for people with drug addiction.

Exploring the cycle: “Perceptions, perspectives, and practices of substance use in young adults”

BACKGROUND: Substance abuse among adolescents and young people is a growing public health concern, with significant implications for both individuals and society. This study sought to investigate the Perceptions, Perspectives, and Practices (3Ps) related to substance use, as well as explore contextual factors influencing drug and alcohol engagement among youth in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in semi-urban and rural areas of Dehradun, screening 14,203 participants aged 10–24 years through multistage stratified random sampling. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, which included the standardized and locally-adapted CRAFT and ASSIST screening instruments. RESULTS: Among the 3290 participants with complete socio-demographic data, 77.0% of males and 41.5% of females reported a family history of drug abuse (P < 0.0001). About 85.4% of participants in the 20–24 age group reported such a history. Regarding perceptions, 70.8% identified cannabis as a highly addictive substance (n = 1959). Knowledge of side effects was limited: less than one-third recognized key physical harms (n = 1493). Analysis of attitudes (n = 3236) revealed that 30.1% to 34.8% believed some drugs like cannabis are not addictive, while 60.6% agreed that even first-time use can lead to addiction. Curiosity, peer pressure, and family history emerged as the most common reasons for initiation, especially among males. CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize the need for targeted educational interventions—particularly about long-term consequences—and for strengthening protective factors in families and peer groups. Systematic, context-aware prevention strategies are essential to reduce substance abuse and its health and social impact among young people in India.

Effectiveness of Sport-Based Interventions in Substance Use Prevention: A Multi-Criteria and Causal Analysis

Understanding the Biological and Social Factors Influencing Drug Addiction

Drug use and dependence are prominent health issues of concern to the general population, especially young adults and adolescents. This research analyzed trends of substance use, awareness of drug-related harms, and perceived social factors among individuals with different experiences of addiction and recovery. The survey was carried out in the form of a cross-sectional survey of 22 respondents, and 19 distinct answers were evaluated following data cleaning. Relationships between variables were analyzed with descriptive statistics and inferential tests such as chi-square tests and Spearman correlation. Results revealed that initiation of substance use was most often in adolescence, and alcohol was the most often used substance. The participants tended to indicate a low level of previous knowledge about drug-related harms, and there was no significant correlation between school-based drug education and the level of knowledge. It was noted that there was a significant correlation between perceived peer pressure and the presence of friends who used substances, which indicates the impact of the social settings. Also, there was a moderate positive relationship between the age of initiation and the age of participants. Although the experiences were different, the majority of the participants were of the view that recovery is possible. These results provide support for the significance of the social context and the significance of early intervention, and imply that the existing educational approaches could be improved.

Inside the System: A Qualitative Examination of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Challenges in Pakistan

Background. The persistent high rate of relapse and widespread prevalence of substance use disorders demands the urgent need to understand the challenges faced by addiction professionals in treating this complex population. Method. This qualitative study explored the experiences of seven mental health professionals (mean age: 38.7 years; average clinical experience: 7 years and 8 months), all with postgraduate qualifications (Master’s to PhD), working in the field of rehabilitation centers for substance use disorders. Using a semi-structured interview guide, in-depth interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed using the guidelines of (Braun & Clarke, 2022). Results. Key challenges identified included: the absence of integrated treatment for comorbid mental health conditions, frequent relapses, lack of culturally adaptive interventions, limited innovation in treatment approaches, minimal family involvement, absence of individualized treatment planning, insufficient focus on relapse prevention and social reintegration, and lack of evidence-based models. Additionally, professionals reported a general sense of dissatisfaction among families and difficulty in monitoring long-term recovery outcomes. Conclusion. These findings emphasize the pressing need for systemic reform, culturally responsive care, and evidence-based, holistic models to improve treatment effectiveness and long-term recovery in the population suffering from substance use disorder.

Examining problematic instagram use in terms of various variables: Uşak province example

Concerns such as being liked, approved, and visible on social media may create a basis for the development of mental health problems among users. In this context, social media can lead to addiction, influencing daily life and shaping personal identities according to online dynamics. This study examines problematic social media use through the example of Instagram, focusing on various variables within a sample from Uşak province. It addresses the individual and societal outcomes of social media use by considering duration and frequency of use, as well as emotional reactions when access is restricted. The aim of the study is to contribute to understanding the psychological and social impacts of social media and to identify the dimensions of digital addiction on a scientific basis. The significance lies in raising academic and public awareness regarding the effects of an increasingly digitalized social structure on individuals, while also providing region-based evaluations specific to Uşak. Most participants are young, female, and high school graduates. They use Instagram for an average of 3–4 hours per day, a duration considered within the risky range for social media addiction. Entertainment and the desire for popularity or social approval are the dominant motivations for use. This indicates that young people view social media both as a means of passing time and as a tool for gaining recognition. Participants exhibit problematic behavioral patterns close to addiction, particularly difficulty controlling usage time and experiencing negative emotions when access is limited. Keywords: Instagram, Problematic social media use, Social media addiction, Uşak Province.