Risk Factors for Drug Misuse in Pakistan

Abstract

While a number of risk factors have been identified for drug misuse in the United States, little evidence is available about such factors in other societies. This study attempted to identify risk factors in Pakistan. Ten of 11 sociodemographic variables which had previously been identified as predictors in the United States successfully differentiated groups of addicts and controls in Pakistan. About 97% of the 60 addicts studied were at risk on four or more factors; 100% of controls were at risk on four or fewer factors. It appears that the precursors for misuse cut across cultural lines.