Addictive Behaviours and Mental Health Outcomes: A Quantitative Comparative Study

The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between addictive behaviours, i.e., drug addiction and gaming addiction, and mental health outcomes, namely depression, anxiety, and stress. It also aimed to compare individuals with drug addiction and gaming addiction with respect to these outcomes. The study employed a cross-sectional design with purposive sampling, including Pakistani university students aged 18 to 30 who had been either gaming or using drugs for at least one year. Three instruments were used: the Drug Abuse Screening Test-10 (DAST-10), the Gaming Addiction Scale for Adolescents (GASA; 21 items), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). The inclusion criteria required a cutoff score: individuals had to score at least 84 out of 105 on the Gaming Addiction Scale for Adolescents or 6 out of 10 on the Drug Abuse Screening Test to qualify as addicted to gaming or drugs. Findings revealed that drug addiction had a significant relationship with depression, anxiety, and stress, while gaming addiction was significantly related to depression and anxiety but not stress. Mean comparisons showed that individuals with drug addiction scored significantly higher on depression and anxiety, and higher but not significantly on stress, than their counterparts with gaming addiction. This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the differential impact of drug and gaming addiction on mental health among Pakistani university students. The implications point toward the need for mental health awareness programs in universities, encouraging help-seeking behaviour, and reducing stigma toward individuals with addictions. Additionally, government and institutional support through counselling services and preventive strategies is essential to address these behavioural health challenges effectively.