Non -injectable use of heroin: patterns and demographic characteristics of addicts in karachi, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Current descriptive study on heroin addiction in Karachi, Pakistan is conducted to explore the patterns and socio-demographic characteristics of male addicts who belong to lower socioeconomic status. The sample of 100 heroin addicts was taken from two treatment centers of Karachi who are providing free of cost treatments. Detailed interviews were conducted according to the form developed by examiners and then this information was confirmed from the record of the treatment centers. Means, standard deviations and percentages were calculated by using SPSS [V.I2]. The results indicate that mean age of the sample was 36.41 [range-21-68 yrs.], 42% of addicts initiated drugs during the age of 16-20 years, Majority of data had gotten education till middle [34%] and 41% of addicts were middle born. 54% were married, 77% belonged to Joint family structure. 78% were employed, 92% had monthly income of less than 14000 Rs., 53% depend upon wage or salary. 17% reported the presence of a drug user in the family. Mean of total duration of drug use was 16.90 years [range=1-41 yrs.], Mean duration of Heroin use of our sample was 13.12 years [range=1-23 yrs.], majority [69%] of the sample use Heroin by smoking, reason for initiation of Drug use was found to be the friends and peer groups influences [57%], 80% were admitted in Rehabilitation centres for one to ten treatments in the past and 40% reported criminal history