Factors Influencing Illicit Drug Substance Abuse and Its Perceived Psychosocial Impact Among Individuals Undergoing Deaddiction Treatment at Male Drug Rehabilitation Centers of Eastern Nepal

Background: Understanding drug abuse triggers is crucial for preventing youth from succumbing to addiction. This study aimed to identify the drivers and psychosocial factors influencing illicit drug-substance abuse among individuals undergoing deaddiction treatment at male drug rehabilitation centers in eastern Nepal. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 14 registered drug rehabilitation centers in Koshi Province, Nepal. The determinants and psychosocial impact were assessed using a semi-structured, five-point Likert scale questionnaire, and an overall factor mean score>2.5 was considered high. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between predictors and outcome variables. Findings: Overall, 229 participants with a median age of 25 years (Q1=21, Q3=29) were surveyed; the majority had finished secondary-level education (42.4%). Diazepam (66.4%) and tramadol (48.5%) were the most frequently abused pharmaceutical products, whereas marijuana (92.1%) and brown sugar (62%) were the most commonly abused illicit substances. The most common sources of acquiring illicit products were peers (84.7%), cross-border trade (74.2%), and pharmacies (53.3%). Exploratory analysis revealed that the family, socioeconomic factors, peers, and school-related factors had a high influence on illicit drug or substance abuse, and these factors were significantly associated with higher odds of developing adverse psychosocial impact (P<0.05). Conclusion: Diazepam, tramadol, marijuana, and brown sugar were the most frequently abused illicit drugs and substances in eastern Nepal. Family, socioeconomic factors, peers, and school-related factors were found to have a substantial influence on drug addiction, and these were significantly associated with high psychosocial consequences.