A comparative study of old versus novel psychoactive substances on craving, perceived stigma and suicidal risk among rural‐dwelling patients with substance abuse

Abstract

Accessible SummaryWhat is known on the subject? According to recent estimates, 10.4% of adults are patients with substance abuse, which is almost double the global rate. Rural areas are typically marginalized, compounded by a lack of access to mental health care, creating a startling disparity in suffering from drug use issues among rural cohorts. What the paper adds to existing knowledge? Drawing on data from a descriptive comparative design would provide a distinctive picture related to the similarities and/or differences in relation to craving and how it affects perceived stigma and suicidal risk among patients using old versus novel psychoactive substances. What are the implications for practice? Substance abuse is a leading public health concern that forces nurses to encompass it into their agendas to tackle this looming problem. Addiction rehabilitation services are frequently run by nurses. They are well‐versed in supporting patients during their journey to recovery and enabling them to adjust to a new lifestyle. AbstractIntroductionSubstance use disorder is a leading public health concern that currently, nations regulatory agencies are grappled with. The noticeable difference in the chemical structures between old and novel psychoactive substances can result in significant clinical complications among patients with substance abuse.AimThe study aims to compare substance craving, perceived stigma and suicidal risk among patients addicted to old and novel psychoactive substances (NPS).MethodA descriptive comparative design was adopted on a sample of 105 patients with substance use who completed The Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS), The Perceived Stigma of Addiction Scale (PSAS) and Suicide Probability Scale (SPS).DiscussionMost participants were male, with 89.5% in the old addictive substance group and 93.8% in the new addictive substance group. A statistically significant difference in the NPS groups' perceptions of stigma (23.4 ± 5.3) compared to the old addictive substance group (20.6 ± 4.2), (t = 3.037, p = .003).Implication for PracticeParticipants in the new substance group report more suicidal ideation, negative self‐evaluation and hostility than those in the old substance group. Policies and practices should be tailored to the type of drug used and potential risk factors to avoid suicide among patients with substance abuse.