The National Household Survey on addicts and drug abuse in the country, conducted by the State Welfare Organization, is currently in progress in all the provinces, said Mohsen Roshanpajouh, head of the SWO.
“In addition to qualitative studies on the causes and increase in addiction and social harm, an accurate account of consumption rates and patterns must also be available to have an exhaustive view of drug abuse in the country,” ISNA quoted him as saying.
Knowing the true nature of any social malady is the prerequisite for planning its control, prevention and treatment.
Between 2007 and 2010, the Rapid Assessment Process was used to study addiction. In 2011, a cross-sectional or prevalence study was carried out by the Drug Control Headquarters in cooperation with the Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, which produced valuable information on drug abuse.
“Earlier studies were not on a nationwide scale, and therefore the new plan was devised to meet the pressing need for a method that provides comprehensive information,” Roshanpajouh said.
People in the 15-65 age groups are targeted and data is collected through questionnaires filled out by respondents. The process will identify drug consumption on a house-to-house basis.
Challenging
Addressing addiction-related problems is an enormous challenge as it is both a social evil as well as a criminal act.
“To build trust among the target groups, the questionnaires are confidential. There is no way to trace the respondents except by the research team, who must show their identity cards before they conduct the survey,” the official said.
The plan was piloted twice in Tehran Province to ensure it could be implemented on a nationwide scale. The first phase will end before the holy month of Ramadan (begins June 18), and the second phase will commence soon after.
Roshanpajouh said the survey seeks a comprehensive outlook on the state of addiction in the country to help the authorities outline policies and take preventive measures. He appealed to the general public to cooperate.
