Experiences of People Using Narcotics and Help Opportunities in Overcoming Addiction

Dear Sir/Madam,

 

I am Vilma, a 4th-year student of the Nursing Study Program at Alytus Faculty of Kaunas University of Applied Sciences. I am currently preparing my final bachelor's thesis on the topic "Experiences of People Using Narcotics and Help Opportunities in Overcoming Addiction" and conducting research aimed at revealing the experiences of people using narcotics related to addiction, its consequences, and coping possibilities.

The questionnaire is completely anonymous – your answers will be confidential and used only for research purposes.

I would be very grateful if you could take the time to participate in the study and answer a few questions. Your experience and opinion are very important.

Thank you sincerely in advance for your time and assistance!

ප්‍රතිඵලය ලේඛකයාට පමණක් ලබා ගත හැක

Do you agree to participate in this study and answer the questionnaire questions anonymously? ✪

1. Gender: ✪

2. Age:

3. Place of residence: ✪

4. Education: ✪

5. Employment: ✪

6. Indicate your marital status:  ✪

7. Do you know what health risks may arise from using narcotics? (mark all possible answers) ✪

8. Do you understand how drug use can affect family, friends, or the community? ✪

9. Do you use narcotic substances? ✪

10. What narcotic substances have you used in the last month? (mark all possible answers)

11. When did you first use narcotic substances?

12. What methods of use do you use or have you used? (mark all possible answers)

13. What signs/effects do you encounter due to the use of psychoactive (narcotic) substances? (rate how often the signs have recurred in the last 30 days. Very often: ≥20 times, Often: 10–19 times, Rarely: 3–9 times, Very rarely: 1–2 times, Never: 0 times. Example of marking: If the signs occurred 12 days in the last 30 days, choose Often.)

Very often (≥20 times)Often (10–19 times)Rarely (3–9 times)Very rarely (1–2 times)Never (0 times)
Changed appetite
Changed sleep cycle
Sudden weight gain
Sudden weight loss
Worsened physical appearance
Worsened personal hygiene
Abnormal pupil size
Bloodshot eyes
Unpleasant odor from the mouth, body, or clothes
Tremors
Impaired coordination
Mood disorders - depressive episodes
Mood disorders - manic or hypomanic episodes
Anxiety disorders - panic attacks
Anxiety disorders - social anxiety
Anxiety disorders - generalized anxiety disorder
Psychotic disorders – drug-induced psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, disorganization)
Cognitive disorders - memory impairments
Cognitive disorders - attention and concentration difficulties
Cognitive disorders - executive function disorders (planning, decision-making)
Behavioral disorders - impulsivity
Behavioral disorders - aggressive behavior
Behavioral disorders - increased risky behavior (e.g., unsafe sexual relations, criminal activity)
Lack of motivation
Feeling of fear
I got into physical conflicts
I experienced relationship problems
Social interests changed
Suddenly changed friends
Suddenly changed favorite places or hobbies

14. Do you know where to seek help for addiction in Lithuania? (mark all possible answers)

15. Have you been interested in help opportunities in rehabilitation communities? ✪

16. What possibilities do rehabilitation communities provide? (mark all possible answers) ✪

17. Have you heard about help for people who use narcotics to make it safer? ✪

18. Have specialists ever helped you to reduce health harm while using narcotics? ✪

19. Do you know where to get help to make drug use less dangerous? (mark all possible answers) ✪

20. Do you feel that you need help regarding drug use? ✪

21. Have you tried to seek help? If yes, where did you turn to? ✪

22. Would you like to learn more about harm reduction programs and help opportunities in Lithuania? ✪