Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Αντιμετώπιση Εξαρτήσεων-ΕξαρτησιολογίαLibrary of the School of Health Sciences
Supervisors info:
Διακογιάννης Ιωάννης, Καθηγητής , Ιατρική Σχολή, ΑΠΘ
Παπαρρηγόπουλος Θωμάς, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Παναγιωτίδης Παναγιώτης, Διδάκτωρ, Ψυχίατρος, Επιμελητής Ψυχιατρικής Κλινικής, 424 ΓΣΝΕ
Original Title:
Η χρήση νέων ψυχοδραστικών ουσιών σε πληθυσμό τοξικοεξαρτημένων αστέγων
Translated title:
The use of psychoactive substances in the substance users homeless
Summary:
This study is focused on substances abuse and the phenomenon of homelessness simultaneously. The substance abuse and mostly the use of new psychoactive substances are presented as consequences of a social and financial crisis. According to the existing literature regarding the population of homeless users, the new psychoactive substances, such us “shisha” and “black mamba” are observed as secondary substances and the heroin remains as a main substance of use.
Aim: The aim of the present dissertation is to highlight the association of new psychoactive substances with homelessness. In particular, this study aims to investigate the social-demographic characteristics of drug abusers and possible differences among homeless people and the people who have home.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 43 active substance users homeless and not who are members of the OKANA Addiction Care Center (ΣΦΕΑ). Participants were asked to complete the Drug Use Identification Test (DUDIT), a questionnaire of key new psychoactive substances based on the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as well as data regarding their socio-demographic characteristics.
Results: There were differences in drug use depending on their resident. Specifically, homeless participants had a higher rate of drug-related disorders (p <0.05). In addition, those whose reason for homelessness was, among others, substance use also had a higher rate of substance use disorders (p <0.05). Only if the participants were homeless for the first time was found to be independently related to the rating of drug use disorders. Specifically, those who were homeless for the first time had a lower score, i.e., fewer substance-related disorders, than those who had been homeless again in the past. It was also observed that a large percentage of research participants used new synthetic drugs, such as synthetic cannabinoids and Shisha.
Conclusions: According to the findings of the present study, the participants who use more substances and mainly new psychoactive substances are mostly homeless and unemployed in recent years, confirming the initial hypothesis. As a result, there is a need to create policies and models to address the problems of vulnerable social groups, such as the homeless substance users, in which both their biological and psychological needs will be covered and met.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
Homelessness, New psychoactive substances, Substance use disorders, Secondary substances, Active substance users
File:
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Tzini Dimitra MSc.pdf
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