Substance misuse disorder in Saudi Arabia: A comprehensive examination of current demographic patterns, trends, and intervention requirements

Abstract Introduction: This review examines substance misuse disorder (SMD) in Saudi Arabia, drawing insights from 43 prior studies. It explores the prevalence and patterns of SMD across diverse demographics. Methodology: Our analysis integrated data from various studies involving adolescents, university students, psychiatric patients, and the general population as well as postmortem cases. It identifies key risk factors and challenges in managing SMD, underscoring the importance of comprehensive data collection for evidence-based policymaking. Results: SMD in Saudi Arabia were categorized into