Time Trends of Cannabis Use Among Treatment-seeking Individuals at Government De-addiction Centers Across India Over a Period of 7 Years.

Background: Cannabis continues to be the most commonly used illicit psychoactive substance globally. The National Survey in India conducted in the year 2004 also reported it to be the most commonly used illicit substance in the country. Furthermore, it was reported to be the second most commonly used psychoactive substance by the treatment seekers at de-addiction centers in the country.

A retrospective chart review of treatment seeking middle aged individuals at a tertiary care substance use disorder treatment centre in North Part of India over five successive years: findings from drug abuse monitoring system.

Adolescents and young adults continue to remain the main focus of attention with regards to substance use related problems. There has been a limited focus on illicit substance use among middle aged and elderly population. The current study explored the changing trends of substance use among treatment seeking middle aged individuals (aged 40-60 years) at a tertiary level drug dependence treatment centre.

Post marketing surveillance of sublingual buprenorphine naloxone combination tablets.

Background & Objectives: A combination of buprenorphine-naloxone (Addnok-N) tablets has been recently introduced in India as treatment for Opioid dependence. This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible adverse consequences following use of the buprenorphine-naloxone tablets through post marketing surveillance.

Methods: National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS, India, monitored all patients receiving buprenorphine-naloxone combination tablets from the centre over a period of two and half years.

Concordance between urinary cotinine levels and self-reported tobacco use among drug-dependent persons: a pilot study.

Self-reported drug use is a principle measure in the evaluation of treatment outcome. As there have been concerns about the accuracy of self-reporting, it is necessary to establish its validity by an objective method. The aim of the study was to examine the concordance between urinary cotinine concentrations and self-reported tobacco use among drug dependents seeking treatment at National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.

The Fagerström test for nicotine dependence in an Indian sample of daily smokers with poly drug use.

Introduction: The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) is a widely used six-item questionnaire, which has often been used as a measure of physical dependence on nicotine.

Methods: The performance of the FTND was explored in an Indian sample of 75 daily smokers with histories of polysubstance use attending the Tobacco Cessation Clinic at National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre.

Results: FTND score was found to be significantly correlated with the age of initiation but showed no correlation with duration of use.

Mental health problems following the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir: findings of community-run clinics.

Introduction: Events such as earthquakes are followed by significant psychiatric morbidity due to the enormous damage caused to life, health, property, and other resources in the affected area. In October 2005, a devastating earthquake occurred in Kashmir in India. A team of mental health professionals visited the earthquake stricken area to provide mental health services five weeks after of the event.