1Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Government Medical College Patiala, Punjab-147001, India
*Corresponding Author: Dr Preetinder Singh Chahal, Assistant Professor* Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Government Medical College Patiala, Punjab-147001, India Contact: +91-9417168681 Email: preetinder1chahal@gmail.com
Online published on 18 September, 2020.
Introduction:Drug abuse or substance abuse refers to the use of any intoxicant or psychoactive drug or substance which has a bearing on the physical, mental or psychological health of an individual and families and with a threat to the social and economic fabric of communities and nations. It is a complex phenomenon with no exception to the medical professionals. For more than one reasons, medical students may be much more vulnerable to drug or substance abuse.
Materials and Methods:The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and pattern of drug abuse in a section of the students of Government Medical College Patiala in the year 2019.
Results:The results showed alcohol was the most commonly abused intoxicant by medical students due to different motivational reasons with feeling of enjoyment and curiosity leading the causes. Majority students admitted the fact was not in the knowledge of their parents and that they did not have any regret in experiencing the drug abuse. Drug abuse among medical students is a serious problem and primarily needs to be tackled by medical college authorities.
Drug Abuse, Substance Abuse, DSM-IV-TR, Medical Professionals, Alcohol, Opium, Tobacco, Psychological Stress, Drug Pushers, World Health Organization, Buddy Drug Eradication Programme
