Emotional problems among substance dependent patients undergoing detoxification

Abstract

Background: Substance use disorders co-occur at high prevalence with mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Detoxification is a medical service that helps people withdraw from addictive substances in a medically safe and effective manner. Aim: to assess the emotional problems among substance dependent patients undergoing detoxification. Design: Descriptive design. Setting: in the National Center for Addiction affiliated to the Abbasia mental health hospital. Sample: Convenient sample of 92 substance dependent patients. Tools: Interviewing questionnaire sheet which consisted of socio-demographic characteristics of the studied patients and the clinical data about substance abuse, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), and Brief Substance Craving Scale (BSCS). Results: Less than two third of the substance dependent patient had family history of addiction, less than half of them aged between 30 to 40 years old when they started addiction, more than half of them feel that their health much worth than usual, and more than one third of them addicted drugs due to peer pressure. More than have of the substance dependent patients much more than usual had difficulty in staying sleep, and insomnia due to anxiety. fell constantly under strain, found getting everything on top of them, and feeling nervous and strung-up all the time. Conclusion: More than half of the substance dependent patients much more than usual thinks themselves as a worthless person. Felt that life hopeless. Also, the majority of them had a worth mental health score, and three quarters of them had a high total craving score. Recommendations: Further study should be carried out on the aspect of improving the substance dependent patients' self-esteem after detoxification. Coping skills educational programs to reduce craving belief among substance dependent patient.