Knowledge and attitude of substance abuse among the youths in Tikrit Iraq

Abstract

Background: The data of substance abuse are limited in Iraq. Psychiatrists perceived non-medical use of prescription drugs, including benzhexol (muscle relaxant), benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medication), and codeine (opiate painkiller), as the most common form of illicit substance use. Aim of the: study: This study was designed to assess the substance – abuse-related knowledge and attitude among the youth in Tikrit. Results: Results showed that 78% didn’t know any substance abusers while 22 knew at least one substance abuser. Also, a sizeable number of females and males(57.4%) were not able to define substance abuse cor-rectly. Avoiding friends who are substance abusers can help in the prevention of substance abuse” was the most agreed upon factor for the prevention of substance abuse among males (82.5%) and females (85.7%). A percentage of females (84.6%) and males (70.2%) wary of those who used illegal substances. Also, females (76.9%) and males(68.2%) tended to avoid drug addicts. Conclusion: Both genders did not have enough knowledge about globally and locally used illicit sub-stances. Negative attitudes toward substance abusers and substance abuse were clearly apparent in their responses. The youth agreed with spending as much money as possible on the treatment of substance abus-ers. The population showed good knowledge about the ways and factors that may help in the prevention of substance abuse.