EARLY AGE DRUG USE EXPOSURE AND IMPULSIVITY AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER
Keywords:
Impulsivity, Substance Use Disorder, Early Age Drug Exposure, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), SPSS, Behavioral Assessment, Proficiency levelAbstract
This study explores how the age of initial drug exposure influences impulsivity levels among adults with substance use disorder. Based on a review of relevant literature, it was hypothesized that those who began using drugs at an earlier age would exhibit higher impulsivity compared to those who started later. Conducted in Faisalabad, Pakistan, between September 2019 and July 2020, the study gathered data from 200 individuals aged 18 to 35, averaging 22.2 years, across clinical facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Data collection involved a demographic questionnaire and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11; Patton, Stanford & Barratt, 1995), with analysis performed using SPSS 21. Results, obtained through t-test analysis, support the hypothesis, revealing significantly higher impulsivity levels in early-age users compared to those with later-age drug exposure. These findings suggest that the timing of drug initiation may play a crucial role in impulsivity levels among adults with substance use disorders.
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