HARCP Archives

Browse by article

Browse by volume

Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2017, 19, N6 (pages: 5 - 12)

New Psychoactive Substances and Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Centre Networks in Slovenia

Gabrovec B.

Summary: Introduction: In 2015/2016, several young men went missing in Slovenia and the media implied that they had disappeared when they were under the influence of new drugs. The police did not confirm this, but they did confirm that the use of psychoactive substances and hallucinogenic drugs was on the rise. New psychoactive substances are more easily available than other illicit drugs. The Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Centre Network is the most comprehensive network for drug prevention and drug addiction rehabilitation, and consequently the best point of access for everybody working in the field of addiction, including addiction with psychoactive substances. The purpose of this study has been to establish to what extent the employees of the Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Centre Network in Slovenia believe that their current rehabilitation programme is also suitable for users of the new psychoactive substances, and that they have the right kind of knowledge to be able to identify substance abusers and offer them counselling and help. Methods: For the purpose of this study, a non-experimental sampling method was employed, using a structured questionnaire on rehabilitation centre employees in Slovenia (n = 54). Data were analysed by means of descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and linear regression, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results: Employees gave a low score in responding to all the questions and statements on the appropriate provision of care in combating the effects of new, emerging substances in the Drug Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre Network. Except for doctors and psychologists, they have a low degree of knowledge about these emerging substances. Conclusions: Due to the increasing use of this type of drug among users, and considering the wide range and territorial presence of the Slovenian Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Centre Network, it would be reasonable to upgrade employees' knowledge in preparation for the daily work to be done at the Centre, as well as preventive work in the field.