Comparison of patterns of substance abuse in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

The aim of the present study was to compare the patterns of substance abuse in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). One hundred and twenty substance abusers from the KSA and 79 substance abusers from the UAE participated. All participants were males. Age, education, age at onset of abuse, substances abused, duration of abuse, mode of abuse, and employment were investigated. Analysis of the data revealed some similarities including age, employment, and substances prevalent among poly-substance abusers. Differences in patterns of substance abuse included age at onset, prevalence of polysubstance abuse, and substances prevalent among single-substances abusers. The findings are discussed and compared with previous reports. Recommendations for future studies are made.