The registered incidence and prevalence of substance use disorders in Ukraine during the era of dramatic changes (1955–2023)

Abstract

This study investigates the historical dynamics of substance use disorders (SUDs) in Ukraine from 1955 to 2023. Analysis of long-term epidemiological data reveals two distinct waves of SUD epidemics occurring approximately 20 years apart: the first involving alcohol use disorders (AUDs), and the second involving drug use disorders (DUDs), which emerged at roughly one-tenth the scale of AUDs. The most influential determinants of these patterns were the anti-alcohol campaign during the Perestroika era (1985–1991) and the socioeconomic crisis that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union (1992–2001). The study explores correlations between SUD indicators and key demographic and socioeconomic variables, including crime rates, suicide rates, mortality, birth rates, and gross domestic product (GDP). Results demonstrate that Ukraine’s long-term depopulation and repeated sociopolitical upheavals have significantly influenced the incidence of SUDs. The findings underscore the importance of situating substance use trends within broader historical, political, and economic contexts to inform effective public health strategies.