Addiction to psychoactive substances as a public health challenge

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the study was examination of various aspects of the drug addiction problem, with consideration of respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics. Due to the difficulties occurring in each sphere of human functioning, the main aspect was recognition of the reason for undertaking therapy, as well as its effectiveness. Material and methods The research was carried out in a group of 100 people with the problem of addiction to psychoactive substances. The study was conducted using an author-constructed questionnaire. Results Mental, social and spiritual health are important aspects of public health strategy. According to 72% of the respondents, spiritual life and the belief in one’s faith should be important. In the case of 62% of respondents, the reason for starting therapy was family loss. For more than a half (54%), the most difficult thing during therapy was compliance with the prevailing rules. As many as 65% of respondents noticed the effectiveness of therapy despite the occurring difficulties. Conclusions In the Polish health care system, this situation is regulated by the Act of 29 July 2005 on counteracting drug addiction. Drug addiction therapy is aimed at implementation of a holistic model, which includes the relationship between the psyche and the body. Drug addiction is a serious phenomenon of a social nature. Fran Calvo describes the effectiveness of quick communication with addicts through the WhatsApp® inter-Vention application, to reduce the risk of HIV infection and harm caused by the use of substances of unknown origin or chemically contaminated.

Keywords

• addiction
• public health
• psychoactive substances
• drug addiction