Abstract:
Psychoactive and illicit drug use constitutes significant cause of morbidity and mortality but
empirical laboratory data that complement epidemiological evidence are lacking. The study
sought to examine the patterns of substance use among individuals who were investigated for
evidence of psychoactive and illicit drug use at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital during the review
period. All medical laboratory reports of investigations conducted on substance use at the facility
over the five year period were reviewed. These reports were accessible from manual log books
and laboratory information management system data available from the Medical Laboratory
Department of the Hospital. The study revealed that tetrahydrocannabinol (contained in cannabis
or marijuana), cocaine, benzodiazepines and opiates were the substances commonly used over
the period. Contrary to claims from some earlier epidemiological surveys, there was no evidence
of use of amphetamine or methamphetamine as discovered in this study. Psychoactive substance
use was more pronounced among males than females with higher proportions of
tetrahydrocannabinol and benzodiazepine use than those of cocaine and opiates. A national
policy on narcotic and psychoactive drugs developed based on a body of research is
recommended. Such policy document should have well thought-out considerations on the
demand and supply of these substances as well as strategic interventions for harm reduction.
