Psychiatric factors associated with early-onset and poly-drug use: insights from a large-scale addiction registry

BMC Public Health. 2026 Jul 14. doi: 10.1186/s12889-026-28463-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Early initiation of substance use and concurrent use of multiple drugs are critical factors linked to adverse health outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the demographic, behavioral, and psychiatric associates of early-onset and poly-drug use among individuals with substance use disorders in Western Iran.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from the Addiction Disorders Registry of inpatients admitted to Farabi Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. A total of 1,030 individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders were included in the analysis. Data were gathered through structured clinical interviews and reviews of medical records. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and logistic regression models.

RESULTS: Participants who began using substances before the age of 18 had a significantly lower mean age. Poly-drug users also tended to be younger. Logistic regression analysis indicated that male gender, being single, curiosity-driven initiation of use, and the presence of bipolar or personality disorders were significantly associated with early-onset substance use. Additionally, poly-drug use was associated with younger age, male gender, divorced marital status, and the presence of depressive disorders.

CONCLUSION: Demographic and psychiatric characteristics linked to early initiation and poly-drug use. These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention and intervention strategies that focus on vulnerable subgroups.

PMID:42443837 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-026-28463-1