Patterns of Use and Cessation Services Received for Other Substances in Patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Alcohol is one of the common substances used in India. Although majority of people with alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) use other substances, this is underidentified. Thus, a valuable opportunity to offer cessation services for other substances goes unutilized. Extant Indian studies exploring this are scanty. Aim: The aim of the study is to analyze the pattern of use and cessation services received for other substances in patients with a primary diagnosis of ADS, admitted to a tertiary care center, in a state with a high per capita consumption of alcohol. Methods: After ethical clearance, 100 consecutive consenting male patients with ADS, aged 18–60 years, admitted to a psychiatry ward in a tertiary care center, were selected. Their pattern of use of other substances and cessation services received were studied. Results: Majority of the participants had moderate ADS (39%). About 46% of them smoked tobacco, 17% used smokeless form of tobacco, and 6% used both forms. Almost 64% of the participants were dependent on tobacco and the majority had severe dependence. Other substances used were cannabis (6%), benzodiazepines (2%), and opioids (1%). All of them used tobacco in addition. A significant association was noted between the severity of ADS and nicotine use (P = 0.016). Although 77% of participants with ADS used tobacco, only 20% received cessation services for tobacco use. Conclusion: Tobacco use in patients with ADS was not adequately identified, losing a golden opportunity to address a substance use with harmful health consequences. Psychiatrists need to be aware of this hidden problem and adopt routine screening for tobacco use in alcohol-dependent patients.