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Abstract

This study aims to identify the socio-demographic characteristics of women with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and patterns of self-harm. The retrospective study was conducted at the Model Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, Anti-Narcotics Force Karachi, Sindh. Retrospective data between January 2017 and May 2024 was analyzed in 218 female patients with SUD, records were reviewed. Data was retrieved on socio-demographics, reasons for drug use, and type of drug use. SPSS 28 was used to run descriptive statistics for data analysis. Cut marks on the arms, neck, and legs were the most prevalent pattern among individuals who engaged in self-harm behaviors (23%), followed by tattoos (11.9%) and burn marks on the arms and legs (5.5%). A significant portion of patients (29.4%) were using synthetic drugs, such as painkillers, and heroin (27.9%). The majority of patients (70.6%) were non-injecting drug users. More than half of the patients fell within the age range of 20-30 years (47.34%). Peer and family influence (36.7%) was the most common reason for drug use, followed by marital problems (16.5%). In conclusion, these findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions and treatment programs addressing self-harm and substance use among women.