01 Causes and Complications of Injectable Drugs use in District Faisalabad

Abstract

Currently injecting drug use is not most common method of drug-use in Pakistan; however the usage of this method is on the rise. Though the reported prevalence of drug users varies in different areas and as reported in small and large scale studies, the projected figures are disturbingly high and may be as large as four to five million nationwide. The mean age of drug users as reported is 31-33 years and although female users do exist, users are predominately found to be male. Coupled with the idea that drug users feel injectable drugs are 'easier to use,' the relative ease of acquiring injectable drugs proves to be a barrier towards harm-reduction efforts. Even if 'powder' (heroine) was unavailable or too expensive, psychotropic drugs are readily available at most pharmacies. The study was planned with the objective to determine causes and complications of injectable drugs use.