Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Backgrounds: Holistic care for patient involves seeing the patients not just as a lung organ for example but as a person, and treating both body and psyche; otherwise desired treatment might not be reached. The purpose of this study was to assess amount and pattern of substance abuse among hospitalized chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients to be able to better plan a treatment program for them. Methods: 90 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease participated in this cross-sectional and analytic research project. Results: Mean age of participants was 66?11 years of which 90% were male and 84% were married. From all participants 37.9% smoked at the time of research and 51.2% lit their cigarette in the first 5 minutes upon waking up. Most patients (50.9%) started using opium at 20-39 years of age. 71% used opium regularly. Of all opium users, 64.8% smoked it and 35.2% used it orally. Pattern of opium use and number of hospitalizations were related. Correlation between job and pattern of abuse of substances was found. Discussion: Most patients despite having progressive pulmonary disease continue to smoke and use opium, so they have been noncompliant with treatment and have required multiple hospitalizations. As a result, comprehensive treatment of these patients including both pulmonary disease and addiction need to be addressed

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