Family and person factors influencing substance use among drug-dependents at the National Bureau of Investigation Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, Tagaytay City, Philippines

Abstract

This study investigated factors that are significantly influencing and contributing to substance use (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, shabu, ecstasy, inhalant, and heroin) among 145 drug addicts at the National Bureau ofInvestigation (NBI) Treatment & Rehabilitation Center in Tagaytay City. Self-reported data included demographic profile, personality (extrovert/introvert), self-esteem, knowledge on health effects ofsubstance use, family income, family modeling, and family function. Respondents were also asked about the types of substances used and the level of use. Using both non-parametric and stepwise multiple regression models, the study was able to identify factors influencing substance use. The findings ofthe study are as follows: all male, 85.5% are Catholics, 74.6% are between the ages of 15-34,49.7% are single, and the highest education level received by 51.8% of them was high school. Out of that 51.8%, 30.5% dropped out of high school. The group was predominantly extroverts, had a positive self-esteem, and lacked technical knowledge on the health effects of substance use. Most of them came from lower-income families, grew up in positive functioning homes, and homes where substance use among family members is either minimal or non existent. Majority of them also grew up with both parents. The types of substance used by most of the drug addicts, and also in terms of level of consumption, were alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and shabu. Only a few reported the use of ecstasy, heroin, and inhalant. Correlations were found between the use of one substance with another. There was no significant relationship between Person Factors (extrovert/introvert,self-esteem, knowledge) and substance use. But there was a significant relationship between Family Factors (income, modeling, and function) and substance use (ecstasy, heroin, alcohol, tobacco). The best predictive model for substance use was a negative family function and low education level. These results indicate that there is a need for more education on the specific health effects of substance use. Health education programs should target the elementary school years, as substance use is mostly initiated during high school. Parents should be taught, and recognize, the importance of providing a safe and healthy family environment, where children can be open and free to express themselves. School and church should try to create programs that would promote positive interaction between children and parents. Drug rehabilitation centers should include family members when treating drug addicts. Government and community leaders need to focus on ways to provide a safe environment where substances such as alcohol and tobacco, marijuana, shabu, and other illegal drugs are neither easily available nor cheap.