Involuntary versus voluntary patients in a drug abuse treatment centre in Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

This study reviews all patients admitted to Al Amal Hospital, Riyadh, for drug abuse during one Hegira year.

The patients were divided into two groups: voluntary admissions, and involuntary admissions as committed by the police.

The study was made along the demographic lines to identify the differences between the two groups.

It was concluded that the main differential factors in the admission being voluntary or involuntary is related to the type of drug used, the circumstances of abuse, the possible medical consequences to the abusers and family pressures.

The patients with the highest rate of voluntary admission were heroin addicts, the least were cannabis addicts.

Approximately 60% of the total patients were voluntary admissions