Title : Patterns of substance use among hospitalized patients with schizophrenia in Morocco
Abstract:
Substance abuse and Schizophrenia are considered two of the most challenging mental health issues in themselves that affect people globally, however, when combined, they create an even bigger challenge. According to the World Drug Report conducted in 2015 by the United Nations, 246 million people, which is equivalent to one in 20 people between the ages of 15 and 64 years old, used Psychoactive substances in 2013(1). Substance abuse was shown to be associated with mental illness in many epidemiologic studies (2). In Morocco, the use of psychoactive substances is estimated at 4.1%, drug abuse and dependence at nearly 3%, alcohol abuse at 2%, and alcohol dependence at 1.4%. (3). Despite this, the prevalence of alcoholism and toxicomanie among schizophrenic patients in Morocco remains poorly understood, with few studies addressing this comorbidity in North African populations.
This work aims to describe and evaluate the prevalence of alcoholism and toxicomania among schizophrenic patients who were admitted to the psychiatric department of the Ar-Razi University Psychiatric Hospital from 2011 to 2024.
The data used in this study were extracted from the medical archives of 13,337 patients who visited the Ar Razi hospital during the study period. The data specifically focused on age and sex as demographic variables. These factors were recorded in the patient files and subsequently compiled for analysis.
Between 2011 and 2024, the number of patients diagnosed with toxicomania ranged from 115 to 229 cases per year, while those with alcoholism varied between 16 and 87 cases annually. In 2024, there were 166 patients with toxicomania and 39 with alcoholism. Among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, the majority were aged 15 to 60 years, with an estimated average age of approximately 37 years.
The finding of this study shows the presence of both toxicomania and alcoholism among schizophrenic patients over 13 years. Despite the fluctuations each year, the prevalence of these comorbidities has remained significant. This study fills a critical gap in the existing literature on schizophrenia and substance abuse in North African populations, providing valuable insights into the prevalence of these comorbid conditions and informing future public health strategies aimed at integrated care and early intervention.
