CHANDIGARH: Nearly 35% of the households in Punjab have at least one person with substance use disorder, reveals a study conducted by the department of psychiatry, Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Chandigarh.

This is the first comprehensive substance use disorder report in Punjab. The findings of the study, which was part of the National Mental Health Survey conducted in 12 states, have been published in the latest edition of Indian Journal of Medical Research. In the study, a total of 2,895 individuals from 719 households in four districts -

, Ludhiana, Moga and Faridkot - of Punjab participated.

Of total, 251 households (34.91%) had at least one person suffering from any substance - alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs - use disorder.

Substance use highest in 30-39 year age group in metros

In as many as 63 households at least one person was found to be consuming illicit drugs, 176 alcohol and 127 tobacco.

Only 86 individuals of 2,895 reported using illicit substances such as opioids, cannabinoids and benzodiazepines. Of these 86 individuals, 67 were opioid users and 11 were consuming cannabis. Among opioid users, 18 reported use of only opium and 36 reported use of opioids other than opium. Only three persons reported use of heroin.

Among the total persons who consumed alcohol, the prevalence of alcohol dependence was 4.8% and harmful use 3.1% while harmful use of illicit substance was 0.6%. Among persons consuming tobacco, 2% had significant dependence and 3.5% had lowto-moderate dependence.

The substance use was found to be highest in the productive age group of 30 to 39 years in urban metros and less educated individuals.

The most common mental disorder found among persons using substance was depression (5.7%), followed by neurotic and stress-related disorders

(2.2%) and schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders (1.8%).

The treatment gap was found in the study population to be 80.9 — 81.4% in case of alcohol; 96.9% for tobacco; and 60% for illicit substances. The treatment gap for alcohol and other substance use disorders was highest among persons between the age group of 50 to 59 years.

The study has recommended identification and treatment of persons with illegal substance use disorders should be a priority area for the government and health professionals.

The study was conducted by a five-member team led by Dr B S Chavan, director-principal of GMCH, comprising Dr Subhash Das, Sonia Puri, Rohit Garg and Arvind Anniappan Banavaram.

The main aim of the study was to gather estimates about the prevalence of mental and substance use disorders in the state which can help in planning and developing mental health services, said Dr Chavan.