PATTERNS OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN TABUK REGION, SAUDI ARABIA

Authors

  • Galib Alonazi Clinical Psychology and Behavioural Health Program, Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6781-5421
  • Noh Amit Clinical Psychology and Behavioural Health Program, Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7969-5770
  • Shazli Ezzat Ghazali Clinical Psychology and Behavioural Health Program, Centre For Rehabilitation & Special Needs Studies (ICAREHAB), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7748-2859
  • Ponnusamy Subramaniam Clinical Psychology and Behavioural Health Program, Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2361-4780

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.5727

Keywords:

Substance Use, Demographic, Alcohol and Drug Use, Lifetime Alcohol Use, Alcohol 30-Day Use, Lifetime Drug Use, 30-Day Drug Use, Young Adults, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Substance use among young adults is an increasing societal health concern and is linked to physical, mental, and social outcomes. This cross-sectional study examined patterns of substance use, demographic distribution of alcohol use, drug use and types of drug use among young adults in Tabuk Region, Saudi Arabia, using a questionnaire to collect demographic information and Addiction Severity Index (ASI-6) to measure alcohol and drug use. The descriptive statistics analyses were performed to examine patterns of alcohol and drug use using SPSS. The findings reveal that 35.8% of respondents reported lifetime use of any substance, while 34.7% reported use within the past 30 days. Alcohol consumption was reported by 19.5% of respondents for both lifetime and recent alcohol use, with 9.2% indicating alcohol intoxication, reflecting the presence of higher-risk drinking behaviours. Meanwhile, drug use prevalence was higher, with 34.7% reporting lifetime use and 35.8% recent use. The most commonly used types of substances were cannabis, heroin, and amphetamines, with amphetamines emerging as the most frequently reported substance in recent use. Notably, inhalant use appeared in the past 30 days despite no reported lifetime use, indicating evolving substance use patterns. In terms of drug use severity, the majority of respondents were classified as minimal (38.2%) and mild (39.7%). In comparison, 19.9% were moderate and 2.2% significant drug use, suggesting a substantial proportion at risk of progression to more severe substance use disorders. The findings suggest high alcohol and drug use among young adults in the Tabuk Region. Therefore, it is crucial to increase public health education, and early prevention strategies, and targeted intervention programs are required to address substance use among young adults.

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Published

2026-04-23

How to Cite

Alonazi, G., Amit, N., Ghazali, S. E., & Subramaniam, P. (2026). PATTERNS OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN TABUK REGION, SAUDI ARABIA. Veredas Do Direito, 23(6), e235727. https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.5727

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 6 (2026): Veredas do Direito, v. 23, n. 6 2026

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