Substance use patterns and implications for drug policy: A study at Accra Psychiatric Hospital.

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.