Background: Several evidences from epidemiologic and treatment studies indicate that anxiety disorders,
depression, and substance use disorders commonly co-occur, and the interaction is multifaceted and variable.
Epidemiological studies and investigations within clinical substance abuse populations have found an association
between anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use disorders.
Results: The mean age was 28.1 ± 6.5 years. The majority belonged to the moderate socioeconomic status (52%).
Substance use disorder (SUD) patients expressed higher levels of anxiety and depression in comparison to the control
group. Most of the study group (97%) expressed different levels of anxiety. Eighty percent of them expressed high and
moderate anxiety levels, and 20% of caregivers were having mild anxiety levels. Ninety-three percent of the substance users
expressed different levels of depression, either mild 12%, moderate 9%, or severe 72%. The Drug Use Disorder Identification
Test scores were positively correlated with anxiety (r = 0.256 and p = 0.010) and depression (r = 0.330 and p = 0.001).
Moreover, it was found that anxiety and depression are positively correlated with each other’s (r = 0.630 and p = 0.001).
Conclusion: Substance use disorders are associated with high levels of anxiety and depression. More specifically, it
is associated with severe depression and anxiety. There is an obvious association between the presence of anxiety
and depression on the one hand and the severity of drug-related problems on the other hand. Depression and
anxiety are commonly present together in patients with SUDs.