Epidemiology, Day 1, Track 2, 13:30 - 15:00

Presented as part of the Uniting the global community to face the challenge of addiction event, in-person on 12th May, 2022

Presentations:

• Wired For Addiction - Dr. Evelyn Higgins
• Prevalence and predictors of relapse among recovering substance users in Yenagoa Municipal, Nigeria. - Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs
• Prevalence of Attention - Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms among Adults seeking Treatment for Substance Use Disorders in Nairobi County - Lambert Oigara

Abstracts:

• Wired For Addiction - Dr. Evelyn Higgins

Wired For Addiction™ is a DNA company that uses our trademark process to look at genetic variants linked to addiction. The scientific community’s understanding of addiction has advanced significantly over the last 30 years largely due to major progress in genetics and neuroscience research. Through the use of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, we are able to test if an individual is genetically predisposed for addiction, be it alcohol, drug, sex, or gambling, and if their neurotransmitters and hormones support a dual diagnosis. 

No longer are practitioners required to diagnosis and treat based on vocabulary; rather, DNA testing allows one to treat through personalized medicine in order to address the foundational aspects of addiction.

• Prevalence and predictors of relapse among recovering substance users in Yenagoa Municipal, Nigeria. - Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs

Relapse has remained a major challenge in the treatment of substance users in Nigeria. The situation is such that parents are losing interest in the need for treatment of their children. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and predictor factors of relapse among recovering drug-users in Yenagoa. A sample of 106 recovering drug- users (aged 18-51 years) discharged from 3 rehabilitation centers in Yenagoa was utilized. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test and Chi-square. Responses from participants showed that lack of engagement in productive ventures after treatment was accountable for 32.1% of relapse cases. 26.4% cases were attributed to unavailability of community mutual-help groups. Peer pressure was accountable for 22.5% and parental factor of suspicious and distrust was accountable for 19.1% of cases. The study further showed a relationship between age of onset, level of education, social support and relapse. Participants who initiated drug use at an earlier stage, had lower level of education and poor social support had higher levels of relapse. The researchers recommend for an active partnership between drug treatment centers and the National Directorate of Employment as well as the need for setting-up community self-help groups where recovering drug-users can access support after treatment.

• Prevalence of Attention - Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms among Adults seeking Treatment for Substance Use Disorders in Nairobi County - Lambert Oigara

Individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more predisposed to developing a substance use disorder (SUD) than their healthy peers. This study sought to establish the prevalence of ADHD symptoms among adults seeking treatment for SUD. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was utilized, in which 175 participants were recruited from three alcohol and drug treatment centers in Nairobi County. Symptoms of ADHD were assessed using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) version 1.1, while severity of SUD using the UNCOPE. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. The study also found that the prevalence of adult ADHD in SUD patient population was 25.8%, and that significant differences exist in severity between adults with ADHD symptoms and those without ((p= 0.027; <0.05). The study recommends early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD as a preventive strategy against substance abuse.