Study of drug dependence with associated comorbid physical health disorder

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to find out comorbidity of physical disorders among a random sample of alcohol and drug dependence patients.Setting: Indoor patients at Model Drug Deaddiction Centre, Jallandhar.Design: Observational study.Material and Methods: Comprehensive data was collected from indoor patients admitted in Model Drug Deaddiction Centre, Jallandhar from May 2017 to October of 2017.The patients were assessed using DAMS (Drug Abuse Monitoring System Proforma).Their sociodemographic data was also registered.Results: The major comorbid physical disorders associated with alcohol and drug abuse were anaemia, leoucocytosis and leucopenia, liver parenchymal disorders and jaundice. Conclusions:The study concluded that majority of substance dependent patients suffered from comorbid physical disorders.Comorbidity needs to be taken into account when analyzing the relationship between substance dependence and in planning treatment strategies for comorbid conditions.There is increased risk for HBV and HCV in drug and alcohol use.People abusing drugs often suffer from impaired judgement and engage in risky sexual behaviour, thus increasing the risk of contracting HIV.Drug and alcohol use can also directly damage the liver, increasing risk for chronic liver disease and cancer among those infected with hepatitis.Thus there is need for early detection and treatment of hepatitis infections in drug users.