Comprehensive Evaluation of Drug De-addiction Centres (DDCs) in Punjab (Northern India).
BACKGROUND
Drug addiction is on the rise in Punjab,India. There are 15 DDCs which are supported by the Indian Red Cross Society. There is alleged mushrooming of private Drug De-addiction Centres (DDCs) in the smaller towns, villages and cities of Punjab.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate DDCs in Punjab.


METHODS
A total of 10 DDCs were included in the study and scheduled visits were made to collect data by using a pre-tested questionnaire.


RESULTS
The duration of treatment was 1 month at the Red Cross DDCs and it was approximately 6 months at private DDCs. The staff at the private DDCs were inadequate. The major drugs which were abused by patients were Propoxyphene, Alcohol, Bhukki and Cannabis. Patients were usually referred to the DDCs either by family members (35.3%) or social workers (29.8%). About 72.5% of patients were married, 36.3% had passed 10th standard and 54.4% were employed. A majority dropped out of the DDCs due to personal reasons and lack of family support. On comparison, more patients were found to be treated at Red Cross centres (75.3%) than at private centres (65.8%). All DDCs had conducted regular sessions of individual, group and family counseling for patients. Red Cross DDCs ensured that ex-clients received follow-ups and home visits. More patients were satisfied with the services which were provided by the Red Cross DDCs. On the contrary, more patients at the private DDCs complained about harassment fromstaff personnel (p>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
It is recommended that all DDCs should be checked regularly, and that the private centres should be provided with additional support from the government, to help run them more efficiently.
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital , Ludhiana, India.
Vikram Kumar
VK
Gupta
Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital , Patiala, India .
Paramjeet
P
Kaur
Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital , Patiala, India .
Gurmeet
G
Singh
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital , Ludhiana, India .
Priya
P
Bansal
Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital , Patiala, India .
B S
BS
Sidhu
Details of drug abuse; Drug de-addiction centres (DDCs); Indoor stay of addicts; Recovery of addicts; Staff details at DDCs