Study of Addiction in COPD patients in Abbasiya Chest Hospital

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common community problem and considered an essential cause of morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries. COPD was expected to be the third leading cause of death by 2020 (Mannino and Buist, 2007 and Lopez et al., 2006). Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder in which compulsive drug-seeking and drug-taking behavior persists despite serious negative consequences (Maddux and Desmond, 2000). Tolerance and physical dependence reflect physiological adaptation to the effects of a drug, whereas the remaining criteria define uncontrollable drug consumption. However, tolerance and physical dependence are neither necessary nor sufficient for a diagnosis of substance dependence. Substance abuse or harmful use, a less severe disorder, may result in dependence (World Health Organization, 1992). Smokers with COPD are at high risk for poor health outcomes directly attributable to tobacco related conditions, including progression of lung disease and cardiovascular diseases (Mullerova et al., 2013). Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, is the most widely used illegal drug in the world. After tobacco, it is the second most widely smoked substance in the general population (World Drug Report 2006).