Knowledge and attitude of substance abuse among the youths in Tikrit Iraq.

Background: The data of substance abuse are limited in Iraq. Psychiatrists perceived non-medical use of prescription drugs, including benzhexol (muscle relaxant), benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medication), and codeine (opiate painkiller), as the most common form of illicit substance use.

Aim of the: study: This study was designed to assess the substance - abuse - related knowledge and attitude among the youth in Tikrit.

Results: Results showed that 78% didn't know any substance abusers while 22 knew at least one substance abuser. Also, a sizeable number of females and males(57.4%) were not able to define substance abuse correctly. Avoiding friends who are substance abusers can help in the prevention of substance abuse" was the most agreed upon factor for the prevention of substance abuse among males (82.5%) and females (85.7%). A percentage of females (84.6%) and males (70.2%) wary of those who used illegal substances. Also, females (76.9%) and males(68.2%) tended to avoid drug addicts.

Conclusion: Both genders did not have enough knowledge about globally and locally used illicit substances. Negative attitudes toward substance abusers and substance abuse were clearly apparent in their responses. The youth agreed with spending as much money as possible on the treatment of substance abusers. The population showed good knowledge about the ways and factors that may help in the prevention of substance abuse.