Investigation of Narcotic Substance Use Among Individuals Who were under Probation in The City of Antalya

Objective: The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the substance use specifications and sociodemographic data of individuals who were brought to the Clinic of Psychiatry of the Antalya Education and Research Hospital. Methods: The recorded files of the individuals in the archives of the probation unit who were referred to our hospital by the Branch Office of the Probation and Help Center (BOPHC) were retrospectively analyzed and the data obtained were recorded in the data form. Results: When the substance use among the individuals presenting to the Antalya Education and Research Hospital in between 2012 and 2014 were analyzed, substance use had increased 82% and 76% between the years 2013 and 2014, respectively. Ninety-seven percent of substance users were male with a 118% and 102% increase in marijuana use in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Morphine use increased by 43% and 42%, respectively. The frequency of substance use in females increased by 52% and 131%, respectively. The mean age of the substance users has decreased in the last three years. Fifty eight percent of the substance users in the year 2014 were single, 74% of them graduated from the secondary school, and 65% were self-employed. Conclusion: Narcotic substance use increased markedly in the last three years in the Antalya region, according to the data obtained in this study. The rate of substance use was higher when compared to the other cities. The most commonly used substance was marijuana. Substance use increased among women. The mean age of the substance users decrease. Only 14% of the substance users desired to be treated.