AN INSIGHT INTO THE SUBSTANCE USE PATTERN AMONG ADDICTS IN

TRIVANDRUM CITY

PROJECT REPORT

A project report submitted to the University of Kerala, in partial fulfilment for the award of
Degree of

BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK

2018-2021

Submitted By

AMAL SREEKUMAR

REGISTER No: 31518807005

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

DR. ASHIK SHAJI

ASST.PROFESSOR

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

NATIONAL COLLEGE

KALLATTUMUKKU, MANACAUD. P.O

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695009
 i

NATIONAL COLLEGE

KALLATTUMUKKU, MANACAUD.P. O

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695009

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project entitled “AN INSIGHT INTO THE SUBSTANCE USE
PATTERN AMONG ADDICTS IN TRIVANDRUM CITY” is the bona fide work done by
AMAL SREEKUMAR REG No: 31518807005 under my guidance and supervision. The
project report prepared by him is submitted to the University of Kerala in partial fulfilment for
the award of BSW Degree, 2018-2021 and that the same has not been published elsewhere.

N.S Ramesh Chandran

Assistant Professor & HOD of Social Work

Internal Guide

Dr. Abdul Rahim. M

Principal
 ii

DECLARATION

I, AMAL SREEKUMAR, 31518807005, hereby declare that the project report entitled “AN
INSIGHT INTO THE SUBSTANCE USE PATTERN AMONG ADDICTS IN
TRIVANDRUM CITY” submitted to the University of Kerala is the original research work
done by me under the supervision of N.S Ramesh Chandran, Head of the department, National
College towards partial fulfilment of the requirement of BSW Degree, 2018-2021.

AMAL SREEKUMAR

REGISTER NO: 31518807005

 iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to a number of people who have made this project
work possible. First and foremost, I have to thank my Project Guide, Mr. N.S. Ramesh
Chandran, Head of the Department of Social Work for his untiring guidance, support and
help extended throughout this research work. Without his assistance and dedicated involvement,
this project work would have never been accomplished.

I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to all other Faculty members who inspired and
mentored me at each and every stage. The valuable insights offered by them did keep me moving
undeterred. I must also thank my friends and my family members for assisting me sincerely in
my efforts to complete the project without a hitch. I am highly indebted to the Principal of our
College, Dr. Abdul Rahim.M, for the great support lent to us in our research pursuit.

Most importantly, none of this would have happened without the motivation of my parents and
family. This project work stands as a testament to my family’s unconditional love and
encouragement.

Last but not the least I would like to thank the Almighty God, who has been with me throughout
this academic journey, and helped me make it through to this day by showering his blessings.
 iv

A. TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER PARTICULARS PAGE NUMBER

I INTRODUCTION

II REVIEW OF LITERATURE

III RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY

IV ANALYSIS AND
INTERPRETATION

V FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS
AND CONCLUSION
 v

B. LIST OF TABLES

Table number Title Page number

4.1 Shows the age group of the

respondents

4.2 Shows the sex of the

respondents

4.3 Shows the marital status of

the respondents

4.4 Shows the educational

qualification of the
respondents

4.5 Shows the response to item

number 6 of the questionnaire

4.6 Shows the response to item

number 7 of the questionnaire

4.7 Shows the response to item

number 8 of the questionnaire

4.8 Shows the response to item

number 9 of the questionnaire

4.9 Shows the response to item

number 10 of the
questionnaire

4.10 Shows the response to item

number 11 of the
questionnaire
4.11 Shows the response to item
number 14 of the
questionnaire

4.12 Shows the response to item

number 15 of the
questionnaire

vi

B. LIST OF FIGURES
Figure number Title Page number

4.1 Shows the response to item

number 12 of the
questionnaire

4.2 Shows the response to item

number 13 of the
questionnaire

4.3 Shows the response to item

number 16 of the
questionnaire

4.4 Shows the response to item

number 17 of the
questionnaire

4.5 Shows the response to item

number 18 of the
questionnaire

4.6 Shows the response to item

number 19 of the
questionnaire

4.7 Shows the response to item

number 20 of the
questionnaire
 ABSTRACT

The study focuses on substance abuse and understanding the pattern of substance use among
adults. A descriptive research design is used and 45 samples were drawn from the Trivandrum
city. The study was conducted to understand the factors leading to substance abuse and the
influence of peer group and family in substance abuse among adults. The study focused on the
psychosocial problems of the addicts due to their substance abuse and to understand the pattern
of substance use, and to identify the feedback about the influence of substance abuse in their life.

Key Words:

1. Substance
2. Substance abuse
3. Substance use patterns
4. Psychosocial problems
5. Family
 CHAPTER –I

INTRODUCTION

Introduction
Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is a patterned use of a drug in which the user uses
the substance in amounts or with methods which are harmful to themselves or others, and is a
form substance-related disorder. Widely differing definitions of drug abuse are used in public
health, medical and criminal justice contexts. In some cases, criminal or anti-social behavior
occurs when the person is under the influence of a drug, and long-term personality changes in
individuals may occur as well. In addition to possible physical, social and psychological harm,
use of some drug may also lead to criminal penalties, although these vary widely depending on
the local jurisdiction. Drugs most often associated with this term include; alcohol, barbiturates,
cannabis, cocaine, opioids and substituted amphetamines. The exact cause of substance abuse is
not clear, with theories including one of two; either a genetic disposition which is learned from
others, or a habit which is addiction. Drug misuse is a term used commonly when prescription
medication with sedative, anxiolytic. analgesic, or stimulant properties are used for mood
alteration or intoxication ignoring the fact that overdose of such medicine has serious adverse
effects. Prescription misuse has been defined differently and rather inconsistently based on the
status of drug prescription, the uses without a prescription, intentional use to achieve intoxicating
effects, route of administration, co-ingestion with alcohol and the presence or absence of
dependence symptoms.

Most drugs and other chemical substances are helpful when used properly. Unfortunately, the
misuse of medication and drugs- both legal and illegal, as well as alcohol and tobacco are a
growing problem in the older population. The term drug abuse or substance abuse is defined as
the use of chemical substances that lead to an increased list of problems and inability to control
the use of substances. Dependence on a drug or alcohol is particularly dangerous in adult age
people, because older adults tend to have more harmful effects from these substances than
younger people.

Substance abuse/misuse among older adults is not widely studied, but there is a general
consensus in the field that substance abuse in this population is a serious problem. Alcohol, and
to a somewhat lesser extent, prescription medications, are currently more widely abused by this
population than illicit drugs. The wave of baby boomers will soon be reaching older adulthood.
By their sheer numbers alone, the substance abuse treatment system could soon be faced with an
expanded older population Additionally, unlike the current population of older adults, many
babies’ boomers’ experiments with illicit drugs in their earlier years. This potential influx of
older substance abusers could present the treatment system with new challenges.

Chronic use of substance leads to a change in the central nervous system which means the patient
has developed tolerance to the medicine that more of the substance is needed in order to produce
desired effects. When this happens, any effort to stop or reduce the use of this substance would
cause withdrawal symptoms to occur.

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, 7 million people were taking prescription
drugs for nonmedical use in 2010. Among 12th graders, prescription drug misuse is now second
only to cannabis. Nearly 1 in 12 high school seniors reported nonmedical use of Vicodin; 1 in 20
reported abuse of OxyContin. Both of these drugs contain opioids.

Avenues of obtaining prescription drugs for misuse are varied: sharing between family and
friends, illegally buying medications at school or work, and often "doctor shopping" to find
multiple physicians to prescribe the same medication, without knowledge of other prescribers.
Increasingly, law enforcement is holding physicians responsible for prescribing controlled
substances without fully establishing patient controls, such as a patient “drug contract”
Concerned physicians are educating themselves on how to identify medication-seeking behavior
in their patients, and are becoming familiar with "red flags" that would alert them potential
prescription drug abuse.
Philip Jenkins claims that there are two issues with the term “drug abuse”. First, what constitutes
a "drug is debatable. For instance, GHB, a naturally occurring substance in the central nervous
system is considered a drug, and is illegal in many countries, while nicotine is not officially
considered a drug in most countries. Second, the word “abuse” implies a recognized standard of
use for any substance. Drinking an occasional glass of wine is considered acceptable in most
Western countries, while drinking several bottles is seen as an abuse. Strict temperance
advocates, who may or may not be religiously motivated, would see drinking even one glass as
an abuse. Some groups even condemn caffeine use in any quantity. Similarly, adopting the view
that any (recreational) use of cannabis or substituted amphetamines constitutes drug abuse
implies a decision made that the substance is harmful, even in minute quantities. In the U.S.,
drugs have been legally classified into five categories, schedule I, I1, II, IV, or V in the
Controlled Substances Act. The drugs are classified on their deemed potential for abuse. Usage
of some drugs is strongly correlated. For example, the consumption of seven illicit drugs
(amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, legal highs, LSD, and magic mushrooms) is
correlated and the Pearson correlation coefficient r>0.4 in every pair to them, consumption of
cannabis is strongly correlated (r>0.5) with usage of nicotine (tobacco), heroin is correlated with
cocaine (r>0.4), methadone (r>0.45), and strongly correlated with crack (r>0.5)

Depending on the actual compound, drug abuse including alcohol may lead to health problems,
social problems, morbidity, injuries, unprotected sex, violence, deaths, motor vehicle accidents,
homicides, suicides, physical dependence or psychological addiction. There is a high rate of
suicide in alcoholics and other drug abusers. The reasons believed to cause the increased risk of
suicide include the long-term abuse of alcohol and other drug causing physiological distortion of
brain chemistry as well as the social isolation. Another factor is the acute intoxicating effects of
the drugs may make suicide more likely to occur. Suicide is also very common in adolescent
alcohol abusers, with 1 in 4 suicides in adolescents being related to alcohol abuse. In the USA
approximately 30% of suicides are related to alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is also associated
with increased risks or committing criminal offences including child abuse, domestic violence,
rapes, burg laries and assaults.

Families suffer due to cultural and social factors of drug behavior, including their own
understanding of the disease process and the addict’s behavior due to drug abuse, draining of
family resources, shrinking from responsibilities, sickness and death faced as a consequence of
drug abuse, extramarital relations, distortion of interpersonal family relationships, and violence.
Family reaction to drug addiction includes denial, blaming, suppressed anger, depression,
bargaining, preoccupation, change of personality, and codependency. Family and friends respond
differently.

Studies show that drug abuse leads to poverty and family breakdown. According to a survey in
India, weekly expenditure on drugs amounted to $13 and total expenditure ranged between US
$250–$25,000. In families disrupted by drug abuse, poverty is often transmitted from parents to
children. In fourteen percent of families, the drug-dependent family member died due to drug
dependence.

Research and surveys delineating the social-economic consequences of drug abuse are limited.
Such consequences not only impact drug abusers’ lives but equally affect their families and the
community at large. Consideration of such aspects, therefore, becomes imperative in the
treatment and prevention of addiction.

An addict is a man or woman whose life is controlled by drugs. We are people in the grip of a
continuing and progressive illness whose ends are always the same: jails, institutions, and death.

Substance abuse can simply be defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-
altering purposes. "Substances" can include alcohol and other drugs (illegal or not) as well as
some substances that are not drugs at all.
"Abuse" can result because you are using a substance in a way that is not intended or
recommended, or because you are using more than prescribed. To be clear, someone can use
substances and not be addicted or even have a substance use disorder

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Substance abuse is a problem which not only destroys a person's life but also the entire
family. There are many problems arising in our society because of substance abuse. The study
focuses on understanding the pattern of substance use, reasons for substance abuse, and problems
which arise due to substance abuse. It is significant to know the effects of substance abuse
among addicts.

NEED FOR THE STUDY

Public should be made aware of the ill effects of substance use. campaigns and awareness classes
should be encouraged to keep the public aware. Substance abuse is not a minute problem. It is
serious with drastic effects on the community and its wellbeing. Here the researcher issued
questionnaires to the addicts and elicited their responses. that itself was an awareness building
effort and seemed effective.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Substance abuse is the major problem of our society. It creates many bad effects on the

human being. Substance abuse causes problems such as: physical problems, emotional problems,
psychological problems, and social problems. Substance abuse can destroy a person’s life.
Substance abuse is seen among all the individuals whether male or female child or a grown up.
Substance abuse is dangerous to all classes of human beings and it has its own problems relating
to each age group.
 CHAPTER-II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Review of Literature
The purpose of this literature review is to provide a summary of the available literature of
substance abuse/misuse pattern among addicts, a synthesis of findings, and a discussion of their
implications for treatment practice, policy, and future research/evaluation. The companion
document to this literature review, Substance Abuse Among Aging Adults: An Annotated
Bibliography, (Feidler, Pertica, Leary & Strohl, 2002) provides a brief overview of the literature
and a description of data sources available on substance abuse among aging adults for readers
who would like more information. For the purposes of this review, substance abuse was broadly
defined as alcohol abuse, prescription drug misuse or abuse, over-the-counter drug misuse or
abuse, illicit drug abuse or any combination of these. Because this is an emerging topic and one
of increasing priority in the field of substance abuse, the scope of the literature search was
intentionally broad. The search encompassed studies which focused primarily on substance use,
physical and mental health, consequences of substance use, treatment approaches and outcomes.

STATUS OF INDIAN SOCIETY ON THE BASIS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The National Household Survey of Drug Use in the country is the first systematic effort to
document the nation-wide prevalence of drug use. Alcohol (21.4%) was the primary substance
used (apart from tobacco) followed by cannabis (3.0%) and opioids (0.7%). Seventeen to 26% of
alcohol users qualified for ICD 10 diagnosis of dependence, translating to an average prevalence
of about 4%. There was a marked variation in alcohol use prevalence in different states of India
(current use ranged from a low of 7% in the western state of Gujarat (officially under
Prohibition) to 75% in the North-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh). Tobacco use prevalence
was high at 55.8% among males, with maximum use in the age group 41-50 years.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2013, 8.2% of
the U.S. population age 12 and older met criteria for substance abuse or dependence in the
previous year. Rates for at-risk substance use are higher with an estimated 9.4% reporting past
month illicit drug use and nearly one quarter, 22.9% reporting past month binge drinking. The
health burden of substance use is great and includes: harmful effects of acute intoxication,
substance use associated injury and violence, and the consequences of numerous medical and
psychiatric disorders associated with chronic alcohol, tobacco and other drug use.

According to Substance Abuse and Public Health: A Multilevel Perspective and Multiple
Responses by T. Wing Lo, Jerf W. K. Yeung and Cherry H. L. Tam Substance abuse has been an
issue of public health for hundreds of years. Nevertheless, professionals and researchers of
different domains tend to adopt a one-dimensional view based on their particular expertise when
examining, explaining and trying to find solutions to this complex problem. Thus, various and
often competing perspectives rooted in the paradigms of heredity, biology, psychology, cognitive
science, family, social development and cultural structures can exist simultaneously, thereby
unwittingly compounding the problem. However, as substance abuse is composed of layers of
individual development, family and social influences, cultural values and environmental
conditions, a multilevel perspective is needed to analyze its etiology, maintenance and
consequences. Various theories and models from different scholarly paradigms at different levels
of social systems should be employed concomitantly to help examine and resolve the issues as
part of a dynamic and comprehensive process. Employing such a multilevel perspective requires
researchers and practitioners to explore the interaction of hereditary, physical, psychological,
cognitive, mental, family, social, cultural and environmental factors, and to show exactly how
such synergy leads to and/or maintains substance use and addiction. Doing so will help in the
design of improved multiple responses to the fallout from substance abuse.

According to Oxford Academy’s study: Understanding reasons for drug use amongst young
people: a functional perspective by Annabel Boys, John Marsden, John Strang The drug with the
highest lifetime prevalence was cannabis (96.2%). This was followed by amphetamine sulphate
(51.6%), cocaine hydrochloride (50.5%) (referred to as cocaine hereafter) and ecstasy (48.6%).
Twenty-five percent of the sample had used LSD and this was more common amongst male
participants (χ2[1] = 9.68, P < 0.01). Other drugs used included crack cocaine (25.5%), heroin
(12.6%), tranquillizers (21.7%) and hallucinogenic mushrooms (8.0%). On average, participants
had used a total of 5.2 different psychoactive substances in their lives (out of a possible 14)
(median = 4.0, mode = 3.0, range 2–14). There was no gender difference in the number of
different drugs ever used.

According to Singh M., Bala N., Garg P.D., Bansal S., Bumrah S., Attri A based on their study:
Substance abuse in Children and adolescents: A Retrospective Study, the incidence of drug abuse
among children and adolescents is higher than the general population. Heroin, Opium, Alcohol,
Cannabis and Propoxyphene are the five most common drugs being abused by children in India.
In India an NGO survey revealed that 63.6 % of patients coming in for treatment were
introduced to drugs at a young age below 15 years. This is notably because youth is a time for
experimentation and identity forming. In developed countries drug abuse among youth is
generally associated with particular youth subcultures and lifestyles. According to another report
13.1% of the people involved in drug and substance abuse in India, are below 20 years. A survey
shows that of all alcohol, cannabis and opium users 21%, 3% and 0.1% are below the age of
eighteen.

Substance abuse disorder is among the leading public health problems in the modern-day world
as they cause a lot of human suffering in terms of morbidity, mortality and economic loss.
Majority of the patients were Sikh by religion as the study was conducted in Punjab and the state
caters to a large number of Sikh populations. The substance abuse was more common in males in
the study as compared to females as seen in earlier studies conducted in north India. Also, the
research included only those patients seeking treatment at the de addiction center, many females
do not report or seek treatment because of pressure from society or stigma attached with it.
IMPACT OF ALCOHOL ON HEALTH

According to a study conducted by WHO, it has been estimated by WHO that worldwide there
are about 2 billion people who consume alcoholic beverages. 3 of these 76.3 million have
diagnosable alcohol use disorders. Globally, alcohol causes 3.2 percent of all deaths (1.8 million
deaths) and 4 percent or Disability-Adjusted Life Years (58.3 million DALYs). This proportion
is much higher in males (5.6 percent deaths and 6.5 percent of DALYs) than females (0.6 percent
deaths and 1.3 percent DALYs).

Besides the direct effects of intoxication and addiction, alcohol is estimated to cause about 20-30
percent of each of the following worldwide: esophageal cancer, liver cancer, a cirrhosis of the
liver, homicide, epilepsy, and motor vehicle accidents. For males in European region, 50-75
percent of drownings, esophagus cancer, epilepsy, unintentional injuries, homicide, motor
vehicle crashes and cirrhosis of the liver are attributed to alcohol.

In a study conducted in Bangalore, India, alcohol users reported more health problems than the
non-users. The alcohol-users were found to be at approximately three times at higher risk or
suffering from a health problem as compared to non-users. Alcohol affects almost every organ of
the body. It can cause an endless list of negative health outcomes. Few of them are given here.
Heartburn, nausea and gastritis, malabsorption syndromes, worsens complications of diabetes,
anemia, reduced sexual capacity, increased risk of seizures, addiction and alcohol dependence,
depression, anxiety, suicide and other psychiatric symptoms, abuse of other substances including
tobacco, fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis, alcoholic pancreatitis, cardio-vascular
effects include: poor blood pressure control, increased cerebral hemorrhage and strokes,
cardiomegaly, cardiac failure and arrhythmias, reduced immunity and increased susceptibility to
infections, damages to the Musculo-skeletal system, impaired sleep and memory,
polyneuropathy, delirium tremens, Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s syndrome and
hallucinations. And especially for female users of alcoholic beverages, it has been proved that
alcohol negatively affects the fetus leading to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. One study has even
reported that alcohol use can be considered a risk factor for periodontitis. It has been reported
that alcohol leads to high-risk sexual behaviors. Alcohol consumption acts as a disinhibitory to
high-risk sexual behavior. This might include wrong choice of partners, non-use of condoms and
also having multiple partners. Alcohol is so harmful to the body that there is a list of diseases
named solely upon alcohol. These are: Alcohol abuse, Alcoholic gastritis, Alcoholic psychoses,
Alcoholic liver cirrhosis, Alcoholic polyneuropathy, Alcoholic cardiomyopathy, Alcohol-
dependence syndrome, excess blood alcohol and Ethanol and methanol toxicity.

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL

Though there is much harm caused by consumption of alcoholic beverages, there are some

documented positive effects too. The well-known case is that of the protective effect of

alcohol on Coronary Heart disease and Cerebrovascular diseases. Alcohol reduces the risk of

Coronary and cerebrovascular diseases by inhibiting formation of atheroma and decreasing

rate of blood coagulation. A study even showed that alcohol has a protective effect on

hearing loss.

SOCIAL IMPACT OF ALCOHOL

Alcohol consumption is linked to many harmful consequences for the individual drinker, the

drinker’s immediate environment and society as a whole. Such social consequences as triatic

accidents, workplace-related problems, family and domestic problems, and interpersonal

violence has been receiving more public or research attention in recent years. Social

consequences affect individuals other than the drinker, for example, passengers involved in

traffic casualties, or family members affected by failure to fulfill social role obligations, or
incidences of violence in the family.

More information is needed to determine if the patterns of use and treatment needs

of subgroups of addicts, such as racial and ethnic minorities, differ from the generic

subgroups of older adults described in the literature. Much of the research to date on addicts and
substance abuse is related to use of alcohol. To better inform the field, research/evaluation

could explore such issues as the abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs and illicit

drugs by addicts, and the costs, cost benefits and cost effectiveness of treatment for this

population. Finally, the development of more age-appropriate screening and assessment tool

would help to improve diagnoses of substance abuse problems among addicts.

 CHAPTER-III

Research Methodology
TITLE OF THE STUDY

An insight into the substance use pattern among addicts in Trivandrum city

OBJECTIVES

General objectives

1. To study about the substance use pattern among addicts in Trivandrum city.

Specific objectives

1. To understand the socio demographic profile of the respondent.

2. To go through the transmission of the addict from the point of onset to the point of
addiction.
3. To understand the kind of changes in the use of substances by the addict.
4. To identify the social effects of substance abuse in the life of the addict.
5. To understand the causative factors of addiction.
6.

DEFINITION OF CONCEPT

THEORETICAL DEFINITION

∙ Drug

Drug as defined by Merriam Webster is a substance used as a medication or in the preparation of

medication or something and often an illegal substance that causes addiction, habituation or a
marked change in consciousness
Substance abuse

Substance abuse as defined by Public health - Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is the
use of a drug in amounts or by methods which are harmful to the individual or others.

Addict

An addict as defined by Merriam Webster is anyone exhibiting a compulsive, chronic,

physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION

Drug

Any substance capable of producing mind alterations in a living organism

Substance abuse

The use of any substance which should not necessarily be illegal or with mind altering
capabilities, in ways which are harmful for the consumer and also others.

Addict

A person showing complete dependency on one or more types of drug(s) and showing
withdrawal symptoms when sufficient dose is not available.

RESEARCH DESIGN

A descriptive study conducted using an online survey method on a judgmental sample of the
addict population in Thiruvananthapuram city was done. Descriptive research is a study designed
to depict the participants in an accurate way. More simply put, descriptive research is all about
describing people who take part in the study.

There are three ways a researcher can go about doing a descriptive research project, and they are:

∙ Observational, defined as a method of viewing and recording the participants

∙ Case study, defined as an in-depth study of an individual or group of individuals

∙ Survey, defined as a brief interview or discussion with an individual about a specific topic

Here a survey is done using a questionnaire and an attempt is made to describe data collected.
The study has quantitative data hence this will involve tables, charts, summary statistics and an
informal interpretation.

UNIVERSE OF STUDY

Men, women, children who are married and even unmarried of age group 16-45 educated as well
as uneducated who are residing in parts of Trivandrum city is the population.

SAMPLING STRATEGY

SAMPLE SIZE

45 individuals including men, women, children of age group 16-45 educated as well as
uneducated who are residing in Trivandrum city is the population.

TOOL

Questionnaire prepared by the researcher for assessing substance abuse and the pattern of
substance use among addicts in Trivandrum city

SOURCE OF STUDY

PRIMARY SOURCE

The information is yielded primarily from a questionnaire designed by the researcher for
assessing substance abuse and the pattern of substance use among addicts in Trivandrum city
SECONDARY SOURCE

The supportive information for supplementing the study is obtained from texts, journal and
online editors

PILOT STUDY

Pilot study is the trial study carried out before a research design is finalized. It is done to test the
feasibility, reliability and validity of the proposed study design. It helps in providing the
groundwork in a research project.

Three respondents were identified from Trivandrum city and data was collected from them
through questionnaire. The information gathered was processed and the feasibility of the study
was ascertained.

PRETEST

Pre-test is to check the effectiveness of the tool of study (questionnaire) by using it on a small
sample of respondents before taking up the full-scale research work. It is to find out whether
there are any problems like unclear wording in the questionnaire or the questionnaire is taking
too long to administer. Pretesting also helps the researcher identify questions which don’t make
sense to participants or problems with the questionnaire that might lead to biased answers. The
testers were the same respondents identified for pilot study. The result was satisfactory indicating
that there was no necessity to improve or change the questionnaire.

VARIABLES

1. Pattern of substance use

2. Awareness about the ill effects of substance use
3. Age
4. Marital status
5. Educational qualification
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

1. Data collection was really difficult as the COVID 19 pandemic situation was at its peak.
2. It was really difficult to get honest answers because the questions were really personal
and some respondents were reluctant to reveal the truth.

CHAPTERISATION

Chapter I - INTRODUCTION

Chapter II – REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Chapter III – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Chapter IV – ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

Chapter V – FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION

 CHAPTER-IV

Analysis and Interpretation

The raw data is tabulated in an excel format with the responses of each sample in the

column and item number 1 to 25 in the rows the cumulative score of each item for

various responses are taken Percentage of people who made various responses were

calculated. The centile scores are tabulated and/or diagrammatic representation is

made. The chapter covers a detailed analysis of the scores and conclusion is arrived.

Table no. 4.1: Shows the Age group of the respondents.

Age Number of respondents Percentage

16-20 12 26.6

21-24 31 68.9

25-45 2 4.5

Table 4.1 shows the split up of the sample based on the age. The participants of age group 16-20
which make up 26.6 percent of the sample. 68.9 percentage of the sample belong to the age
group 21-24 and 4.5 percentage belonged to 25-45 years of age.
 Table no. 4.2: Shows the sex of the respondents

Sex Number of respondents Percentage

Male 39 86.7

Female 6 13.3

Transgender 0 0

Table 4.2 shows the sex of the 45 individuals from whom the data was collected. It is seen that
39 out of 45 i.e., 86.7 % were male, 6 out of 45 i.e., 13.3 % were female and none were
transgenders.
 Table no. 4.3: Shows the marital status of the Respondents

Marital status Number of respondents Percentage

Married 3 2.3

Unmarried 39 90.7

Separated 1 2.3

Divorced 2 4.7

The table 4.3 shows the marital status of 45 individuals from whom the data was collected it
seems that 3 of 45 i.e., 2.3 % of the same were married at the time of study. 39 of 45 i.e., 90.7%
of the sample was unmarried 1 out of 45 i.e., 2.3% of the sample was separated and 2 out of 45
i.e., 4.7% were divorced at the time of the study.
 Table no. 4.4: Shows the educational qualification of the Respondents

Educational qualification Number of respondents Percentage

Below 10th 2 4.4

Above 10th 1 2.2

+2 9 20

Degree 29 64.4

PG 4 8.9

Table 4.4 gives a detail of the educational status of the sample surveyed. 4.4 % of them were
having below 10th education, 2.2% of them were having above 10th education, 20 % of them were
having +2 qualification, 64.4 % of them were having degree level education and 8.9 % of them
were having PG level education.
 Table no. 4.5: Shows the response to item number 6 of the questionnaire.

Number of respondents Percentage

1-2 years 21 47.7

3-5 years 13 29.5

5-10 years 6 10.7

More than 10 years 5 12.1

Table 4.5 displays the response obtained for item number 6 it was asked – How long have you
been using any substance. The table shows that 21 out of 45 used any substance since 1 to 2
years, 13 out of 45 used any substance since 3 to 5 years, 6 out of 45 used any substance since 5
to 10 years and 5 out of 45 used any substance since more than 10 years.
 Table no. 4.6: Shows the response to item number 7 of the questionnaire

Number of respondents Percentage

Yes 31 68.9

NO 14 31.1

Table 4.6 displays the response obtained for item number 7 it was asked – Is it due to any reason
that you started using substance. The table shows that 31 out of 45 said yes and 14 out of 45 said
no.
 Table no. 4.7: Shows the response to item number 8 of the questionnaire

Number of respondents Percentage

Financial problems 2 3

Family problems 2 3

Love failure 11 27.5

Peer pressure 16 40

Experimentation 5 8

Any other reason 9 18.5

Table 4.7 displays the response obtained for item number 8 it was asked – If yes, what is the
reason. The table shows that 2 individuals started using substance due to financial problems, 2
due to family problems, 11 due to love failure, 16 due to peer pressure, 5 for experimentation, 9
due to other reasons which were not clearly specified.
 Table no. 4.8: Shows the response to item number 9 of the questionnaire

Number of respondents Percentage

Yes 20 44.4

No 25 55.6

Table 4.8 displays the response obtained for item number 9 it was asked – Do you still stick on to
the same reason for continuing using the substance. The table shows that 20 people said yes and
25 of them said no.

Table no. 4.9: Shows the response to item number 10 of the questionnaire

Number of respondents Percentage

Addiction 14 56

To pass time 9 36

Other reasons 2 8

Table 4.9 displays the response obtained for item number 10 it was asked – If no, what is the
present reason. The table shows that 14 out of 25 said it was addiction, 9 out of 25 said to pass
time and 2 out of 25 had other reasons to continue using the substance.
 Table no. 4.10: Shows the response to item number 11 of the questionnaire

Number of respondents Percentage

Yes 23 51.1

No 22 48.9

Table 4.10 displays the response obtained for item number 11 it was asked – Are you into more
than one substance. The table shows that 23 people said yes and 22 people said no.

Figure no. 4.1: Shows the response to item number 12 of the questionnaire

Figure 4.1 shows the response obtained for item number 12 it was asked - If yes, is it a higher
potential substance (than the earlier one) that you used later. The figure shows that 48.6 % (11
people) said no and 51.4 % (12 people) said yes.
 Figure no. 4.2: Shows the response to item number 13 of the questionnaire

Figure 4.2 shows the response obtained for item number 13 it was asked - If yes, do you prefer
using the initial lower potential drug over the later higher potential drug. The figure shows that
79.4 % (9 people) said no and 20.6 % (3 people) said yes.
 Table no. 4.11: Shows the response to item number 14 of the questionnaire

Type of substance Number of people Percentage

Alcohol 40 88

Cannabinoids (ganja, 14 31
marijuana, etc.)

Cocaine 8 17

Nicotine 42 93

Opioids (heroin, morphine, 9 20

phenethyl, pethidine etc.)

Others 2 4

Table 4.11 displays the response obtained for item number 14 it was asked – The type of
substance used. The table shows that 40 people used alcohol, 14 people used cannabinoids, 8
people used cocaine, 42 people used nicotine, 9 people used opioids and 2 people used other
substances.
 Table no. 4.12: Shows the response to item number 15 of the questionnaire

Number of Number of people Percentage

substances used

1 22 48

2 7 15

3 12 26

4 3 8

5 1 3

Table 4.12 displays the response obtained for item number 15 it was asked – The number of
substances used. The table shows that 22 people use only one substance, 7 people use 2
substances, 12 people use 3 substances, 3 people use 4 substances, 1 person use 5 substances.
 Figure no. 4.3: Shows the response to item number 16 of the questionnaire

Figure 4.3 shows the response obtained for item number 16 it was asked - Have you experienced
any type of family exclusion due to substance use. The figure shows that 51.1 % people said no
and 48.9 % people said yes.
 Figure no. 4.4: Shows the response to item number 17 of the questionnaire

Figure 4.4 shows the response obtained for item number 17 it was asked - Have you experienced
any type of social exclusion due to substance use. The figure shows that 68.9 % people said no
and 31.1 % people said yes.
 Figure no. 4.5: Shows the response to item number 18 of the questionnaire

Figure 4.5 shows the response obtained for item number 18 it was asked - Have you undertaken
any treatment to stop substance use. The figure shows that 77.8 % said no, 8.9 % said yes and
13.3 % said they were planning to take treatment in the near future.
 Figure no. 4.6: Shows the response to item number 19 of the questionnaire

Figure 4.6 shows the response obtained for item number 19 it was asked - Do you wish to avoid
substance use and lead a happy life. The figure shows that 22.2 % people said no, 33.3 % people
said yes and 44.4 % people said they are able to take both hand in hand.
 Figure no. 4.7: Shows the response to item number 20 of the questionnaire

Figure 4.7 shows the response obtained for item number 20 it was asked - Are you aware of the
ill effects of the substance you use. The figure shows that 84.4 % people said yes and 15.6 %
people said no.
 CHAPTER-V

Findings, suggestions and conclusion

FINDINGS

1. Based on the demographic variables the sample obtained comprised of 12 individuals of

the age group 16-20, 31 individuals of the age group 21-24 and 2 individuals of the age
group 25-45.
2. When it was asked “how long have you been using any substance” 47 % of the people
said from 1-2 years which is a positive mark but the sad part is most of the respondents if
this area is of the age group 16-21 which shows that onset of addiction lies mostly during
adolescence.
3. When it was asked “is it due to any reason that you started using any substance” 69% of
the people had underlying strong reasons for initiating the use of substance.
4. When it was asked “what is the reason” 40% of the people said that it was due to peer
pressure and this reason was the highest prevailing reason.
5. When it was asked “do you still stick on to the same reason for continuing the use of
substance” 55.6% said no which means the driving force which led to the initiation of the
use of substance is no more the driving force for continuing the use of the substance.
6. When it was asked “what is the present reason”56% of the people said it was due to
addiction, which shows that addiction is the major reason for continuing the use of
substance and the problems which made the start using the substance has very little
significance now.
7. When it was asked “are you into more than one substance” 51.1% of the people said that
they are using more than 1 substance which is a matter of concern.
8. When it was asked “is it a higher potential substance that you used later” 51.4% of the
people said yes which shows that the person is in search of new substances to satisfy his
height of tolerance.
9. When it was asked “do you prefer using the initial lower potential substance over the
later higher potential substance” 79% of the people said no, which shows that most of the
people using more than one substance prefer using higher potential substances which
shows their extreme levels of height of tolerance.
10. When it was asked about “the type of substance used” 93% of the people used nicotine
and 88% of the people used alcohol which shows that these two substances were most
abundantly abused which could be due to its ease of availability.
11. It is also found that around half the sampling population face family exclusion, family
problems and social exclusion due to substance use which can have both positive and
negative effects on the addicts. Some may use this as a reason to continue abusing the
substance and some may use it as a strong driving force to come out of addiction.
12. It is also found that 84% of the people are aware of the ill effects of substance abuse but
still continue using the substance which shows the slavery of addicts to the substance.
SUGGESTIONS

1. Substance abuse is a serious threat to oneself and to the society as a whole.

2. Society should be made aware of the ill effects of substance abuse. They must
be educated about the proper use of substances.
3. People start using drugs for many different reasons — curiosity, to have a good
time, because friends are doing it, to improve athletic performance, to numb
emotional pain and more. Drug use doesn’t automatically lead to abuse, and it’s
often hard to pinpoint a single moment where drug use goes from casual to
problematic.
4. Addiction is a disease which has to be dealt medically and it can be cured.
5. Society should change their perspective towards a person who has completed
his de-addiction treatment and has given up substance use.
6. Society should facilitate positive rehabilitation.
7. Society should be educated on how to handle an addict.
8. People with addiction don’t always understand how much their family and
friends love them. Talk to your loved one about your concerns. Let them know
that you’re going to support them on their journey to recovery.
9. As with other diseases, the earlier addiction is treated, the better. However,
don’t be surprised on excuses as to why the addict can’t or won’t seek
treatment. Be persistent about how important it is that they enter treatment for
their addiction, but avoid making them feel guilty or ashamed in the process.
10. Once the person decides to enter treatment, it’s essential that his close ones
remain involved. Continue supporting their participation in ongoing care,
meetings and recovery support groups. Be the support system that they need,
and show them that you’ll be there every step of the way.
CONCLUSION

Substance abuse is something which has to be taken seriously and taken proper care of.
Substance abuse leads to problems in all fields, in education, work life, family life, social
inclusion etc. Substance abuse and addiction decreases the productivity of the person and reduces
his contribution to the society. Gradually the person is transformed to a burden and good for
nothing. This drastically reduces the person’s self-esteem and self-confidence, this in turn acts as
a reason for further use of substance. Handling an addict is not easy, the first step to de-addiction
is making the person aware of the ill effects of addiction and about the happy life he is about to
get by giving up substance use. An addiction free society is the healthiest and the most
productive society.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. McQuigg, Ronagh J.A. (2011), "Taylor & Francis, p. 13Potential problems substance
addiction.
2. https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/.../hereswhatleadstosubstanceabuse-in Mar 11, 2012 -
By Tanima Banerjee:
3. http://www.nchi.nlm.nih.gov/books/nbk64422ks//

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc4146436/
5. http:www.nchi.nlm.nih.gov.books/nbk64419/
6. http://www.drug abuse.gov/news-events/nida-notes/2011/12/substanceabuse-amoung-
older adults
7. http://enm.wikipedia. org/wiki/substance-abuse#/search/
8. http://www.google.co.in/url#gcjeid=18/
9. http//www.drugs.ie/resourcesfiles/guides/2802-3498.pdf
 APPENDIX

AN INSIGHT INTO THE SUBSTANCE USE PATTERN AMONG ADDICTS IN

TRIVANDRUM CITY

Declaration

The study is conducted as part of the dissertation work of Bachelor's Degree in social work and it
is hereby declared that the collected data shall solely be used for academic purpose and that
personal identity of the sample shall be confidential

Name: AMAL SREEKUMAR

S/d-:

1. Name
2. Age
3. Sex: Male Female Transgender
4. Marital status:
Married Unmarried Divorced Separated
5. Educational qualification:
 Below 10th Above 10th +2 Degree PG
6. How long have you been using any substance?
1-2 years 3-5 years 5-10 years more than years
7. Is it due to any reason that you started using substance?
Yes No

8. If yes, what is the reason?

Financial problems Family problems Love failure Peer pressure
Any other reason
9. Do you still stick on to the same reason for continuing using the substance?
Yes No
10. If no, what is the present reason?
Addiction To pass time Other reasons
11. Are you into more than one substance?
Yes No
12. If yes, is it a higher potential substance (than the earlier one) that you used later?
Yes No
13. If yes, do you prefer using the initial lower potential drug over the later higher potential
drug?
Yes No
14. Type of substances used?
Alcohol Cannabinoids (ganja, marijuana, etc.) Cocaine Nicotine
Opioids (heroin, morphine, phenethyl, pethidine etc.) Others
15. Number of substances used
1 2 3 4 5
16. Have you experienced any type of family exclusion due to substance use?
Yes No
17. Have you experienced any type of social exclusion due to substance use?
Yes No
18. Have you undertaken any treatment to stop substance use?
Yes No Planning to take in the near future
19. Do you wish to avoid substance use and lead a happy life?
Yes No I'm able to take both hand in hand
20. Are you aware of the ill effects of the substance you use?
Yes
No