Rates of substance use disorders (SUDs) and their associated impact on physical and mental health are rising in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The production of drugs is conventionally linked to LMICs while a vast majority of consumers live in and purchase these substances from developed wealthy nations. Unfortunately, statistics over the past decade have shown an increasing prevalence of alcohol and drug use in LMICs. New trends in types and patterns of drug use have also been emerging. National responses to prevent SUDs, treat them, and reduce their associated harms among LMICs have been limited. In addition, poverty, illiteracy, gender inequality, and disparities in access and receipt of primary prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services in LMICs negatively affect the effectiveness of these services.
The main goal of this Research Topic is to evaluate the characteristics of alcohol and drug use, as well as policies and programs to address SUDs in LMICs. We particularly aim to explore the prevalence, predisposing factors, correlates, outcomes, and impact of alcohol and drug use in LMICs. We also aim to assess prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies that have been or could be applied within these nations.
This Research Topic welcomes articles that will be addressing the following themes and questions:
- Studies describing the prevalence of alcohol and drug use in LMICs
- Studies describing characteristics, patterns, and correlates of alcohol and drug use in LMICs
- Studies looking at alcohol and drug use among specific populations in LMICs, including children and adolescents, women of child-bearing age, pregnant women, older adults, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people in prisons, homeless individuals, and refugees
- Studies looking at the effects of alcohol and drug use in LMICs, including physical, mental, and psychosocial outcomes
- Studies looking at the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of interventions targeting alcohol and drug use in LMICs
Rates of substance use disorders (SUDs) and their associated impact on physical and mental health are rising in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The production of drugs is conventionally linked to LMICs while a vast majority of consumers live in and purchase these substances from developed wealthy nations. Unfortunately, statistics over the past decade have shown an increasing prevalence of alcohol and drug use in LMICs. New trends in types and patterns of drug use have also been emerging. National responses to prevent SUDs, treat them, and reduce their associated harms among LMICs have been limited. In addition, poverty, illiteracy, gender inequality, and disparities in access and receipt of primary prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services in LMICs negatively affect the effectiveness of these services.
The main goal of this Research Topic is to evaluate the characteristics of alcohol and drug use, as well as policies and programs to address SUDs in LMICs. We particularly aim to explore the prevalence, predisposing factors, correlates, outcomes, and impact of alcohol and drug use in LMICs. We also aim to assess prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies that have been or could be applied within these nations.
This Research Topic welcomes articles that will be addressing the following themes and questions:
- Studies describing the prevalence of alcohol and drug use in LMICs
- Studies describing characteristics, patterns, and correlates of alcohol and drug use in LMICs
- Studies looking at alcohol and drug use among specific populations in LMICs, including children and adolescents, women of child-bearing age, pregnant women, older adults, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people in prisons, homeless individuals, and refugees
- Studies looking at the effects of alcohol and drug use in LMICs, including physical, mental, and psychosocial outcomes
- Studies looking at the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of interventions targeting alcohol and drug use in LMICs