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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2019, 21, N1 (pages: 15 - 20)

An Analysis of Psychological and Physical Problems Faced by Drug (Barsh) Addicts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Jan S.U.K., and Ali A.

Summary: Background: In most countries throughout the world, including Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, illicit drug use behaviour is thriving in terms of a rapid increase in the number of users. Aim: The aim of the current study was to analyse the psychological and physical impacts of a highly addictive opium-based narcotic drug substance known as ‘Barsh' that is prepared locally. Methods: An exploratory study was conducted by selecting 100 respondents; the abusers were traced through snowball sampling. A chi-square test was applied to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: At univariate level the results showed that the best represented aged group. (n=30, 30%). The respondents increased the dose taken with the passage of time. At bivariate level, a highly significant (p=0.05). A relationship was found between the use of ‘Barsh' and psychological & physical problems, i.e. a memory problem, constipation, nausea, a dysentery problem, convulsions, kidney problems, physical weakness, teeth/gum problems and weight loss. In addition, a highly significant (p=0.05) relationship was found between psychological & physical problems and Barsh withdrawal, i.e. body pain, cramps, insomnia, aggressiveness, headache, watery eyes, dysentery, shivering, cold sweating, constipation, rectal bleeding/haematuria, runny nose, sexual dysfunction, diarrhoea. Conclusions: Barsh is a strongly narcotic drug that leads to many problems, such as tolerance, psychological problems, physical problems, craving and withdrawal syndromes.