Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Empirical evidence on substance use in Saudi Arabia is lacking. This quantitative study is aimed at describing the socio-demographics of initial exposure to substance use and its relation to substance abuse progression. METHOD: A questionnaire about socio-demographics during initial exposure to substance use was completed by 379 participants. RESULTS: For most participants, the commencement of substance abuse occurred at the age range of 19‒23 years, and while in high school, they first started taking drugs with school friends. The two psychoactive substances most commonly taken for the first time were hashish and alcohol. The two main reasons for first drug exposure were teenage curiosity and joy-seeking. The chi-square test revealed statistically significant differences between substance abuse progression by sex, current age, father's education level, parent's marital status, and one's company in substance use. Female participants were more likely to continue taking drugs. CONCLUSION: Young people must be educated about the risks and consequences of substance use from early adolescence.