Title : Profile of individuals with substance use disorders attending rehabilitation centers in santo domingo, Dominican Republic

Background: Substance use disorders represent a major public health challenge due to their association with mental health comorbidities, social vulnerability, and high relapse rates. Understanding the sociodemographic, behavioral, and psychological profile of individuals attending rehabilitation centers is essential for informing prevention strategies and improving treatment outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral profile of individuals with substance use disorders attending two rehabilitation centers in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals attending the rehabilitation centers Mesón de Dios and Clarium by Fénix between July and August 2023. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising four sections, including the Sensation-Seeking Scale Form V (SSS-V) and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1). Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations.

Results: A total of 50 individuals were evaluated. Most participants were male (78%), aged 25–44 years (70%), and single (68%). The highest sensation-seeking scores were observed in the experience-seeking domain (mean 6.24 ± 2.20). Screening results indicated that 32% of participants met criteria suggestive of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Cocaine was the most commonly reported substance (36%). Previous admissions to rehabilitation centers were reported by 66% of participants, and 38% reported a family history of substance use.

Conclusion: Individuals attending rehabilitation centers in Santo Domingo present a profile characterized by young adult age, male predominance, high sensation-seeking traits, frequent comorbid ADHD symptoms, and recurrent treatment admissions. These findings highlight the need for integrated prevention and treatment strategies that address mental health comorbidities, family context, and relapse prevention. Strengthening training for health professionals and expanding evidence-based prevention programs may improve rehabilitation outcomes and reduce substance use disorders at the population level.

Dr. Kimberly Almonte, MD, is an attending psychiatrist trained at the Hospital Psiquiátrico Padre Billini and graduated in Medicine from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM). She has specialized training in substance use disorders, dual disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and crisis intervention, including suicide risk assessment. Her academic background includes certifications from ISSUP, SEPD, and WADD, and advanced training in psychiatric neurobiology and psychopharmacology. She holds a diploma in scientific research methodology and has participated in multiple mental health research projects presented at international conferences. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Addiction Prevention and Treatment at the University of Valencia, Spain.