Past Issues

Objective: Drug abuse is a worldwide problem that causes tremendous economic burden. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between drug abuse and the strength of the economic condition using gross domestic product (GDP) in Asian countries. Methods: Forty-two countries in Asia were included in this study. We analyzed the materials of database from the 2006 Report of United Nation Offi ce on Drug and Crime, Website of World Bank, and data from Taiwan’s Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Justice, Executive Yuan, Taiwan. Results: The number of cannabis use was found to be negatively correlated with GDP of 34 Asian countries, but the correlation had signifi cant trend (r = - 0.33, p = 0.061, n=34). The abuse of amphetamine and GDP showed similar negative correlation but lack of statistical signifi - cance. The number of abusing Ecstasy was found to have positive correlation but without statistical signifi cance (n=14 countries). The number of abusing opiate was found to be negatively correlated with GDP but with signifi cant trend (r= -0.31, p = 0.055, n=39). Opiate abuse was found to be signifi cantly related to the low income level in Asian countries if Iran (where was an outlier in the number of opiate abuse) was excluded (r =0.42, p= 0.009, n=38). Conclusion: Based on the results of present study, we suggest that people in low-income Asian countries, had a serious problem in opiate abuse. The results of the present study call for attentions to do more research on drug abuse and psychosocial issues in Asia.