ArticleSaudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society2024
Substance misuse disorder in Saudi Arabia: A comprehensive examination of current demographic patterns, trends, and intervention requirements.
Article in Saudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 12 papers.
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Who cites it
12 citing papers in PubMed.
- Affiliate stigma, perceived social support, and caregiver burden among caregivers of people with substance use disorders in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.BMC psychiatry · 2026Article
- Methanol-Related Fatalities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A 5-Year Post-Mortem Multi-Matrix Study.Toxics · 2026Article
- School-based drug prevention in Saudi Arabia: are physical education teachers prepared to act?Frontiers in public health · 2026Article
- Evaluating Cardiotoxicity and Factors Associated with In-Hospital Mortality Among Emergency Department Patients with Substance Use Disorder:Sultan Qaboos University medical journal · 2026Observational
- Gender Differences in Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics of Methamphetamine Use in Saudi Arabia.Saudi medical journal · 2026Article
- Addressing Gabapentinoids' Access Challenges in Saudi Arabia Under New Prescription Regulations: An Expert View.Pain and therapy · 2025Review
- The psychostimulant drug, fenethylline (captagon): Health risks, addiction and the global impact of illicit trade.Drug and alcohol dependence reports · 2025Review
- A Quantitative and Comparative Study of Heroin-Related Metabolites in Different Postmortem Fluids and Tissues.Toxics · 2025Article
- The epidemiology of substance use disorders in Saudi Arabia: findings from the Saudi national mental health survey.BMC public health · 2025Article
- Captagon: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis (1962-2024) of its global impact, health and mortality risks.Saudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society · 2024Article
- Association of Substance Use Pattern and Family Factors With Use-Related Problems According to Arabic Drug Abuse Screening Test-10: A Cross-Sectional Study.Substance use : research and treatmentArticle
- Associations Between Coping Strategies, Perceived Social Support, and Substance Use Among Individuals in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.Inquiry : a journal of medical care organization, provision and financingArticle
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
2 authors.
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Abstract
Introduction: This review examines substance misuse disorder (SMD) in Saudi Arabia, drawing insights from 43 prior studies. It explores the prevalence and patterns of SMD across diverse demographics. Methodology: Our analysis integrated data from various studies involving adolescents, university students, psychiatric patients, and the general population as well as postmortem cases. It identifies key risk factors and challenges in managing SMD, underscoring the importance of comprehensive data collection for evidence-based policymaking. Results: SMD in Saudi Arabia were categorized into two groups: common traditionally abused drugs (such as Captagon, khat, heroin, ethanol, and cannabis) and substances that have emerged in recent years (e.g., methamphetamine "Shabu", pregabalin, and benzodiazepines). Trends in SMD include early substance initiation and increased amphetamine and polysubstance use. Conclusion and recommendations: Drug-related challenges persist in Saudi Arabia; however, because of limited data from recent epidemiological studies on drug disorders, the full extent is unknown. Saudi Arabia is unique because it as an Islamic country with strict regulations against drug trafficking and a religious prohibition on drugs and alcohol, which contributes to distinct trends in substance misuse disorder (SMD). Although some aspects mirror global patterns, others exhibit regional characteristics specific to the country. Despite data variability, actionable recommendations have emerged for SMD prevention and treatment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a high number of reports was evident; however, SMD publications often reiterate old findings and overlook emerging psychoactive substances (EPS), such as 'Shabu", pregabalin, and benzodiazepines. Further studies are needed, including educational initiatives, national surveys, stricter drug regulations, and an early warning system for traditional SMD and EPS.
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