A number of studies have shown variations in the rate of alcohol and substance use disorders among different occupations, but no study till now stressed on such a variation in Iraq. The present study aimed to study variations in the rate of alcohol and substance use disorders between journalists and some other occupations in Erbil city.

200 journalists and 486 of other professionals were interviewed between the period of September to November 2008 by a structured interview (M.I.N.I.) for the detection of alcohol and substance use disorders.

Among the journalists, 34.5% were alcohol dependents, 7.5% were alcohol abusers, 1% was substance dependent, and another 1% was substance abuser. Among the non-journalists, 7.6% were alcohol dependents, 2.26% were alcohol abusers, 1.44% was substance dependents, and 1.02% was substance abusers. Most of the substances, other than alcohol, used by both groups were the prescription pills. 50% of journalists and 75% of non-journalists, who were either substance dependents or abusers, were alcohol dependents or abusers at the same time. Male gender and those who achieve higher educational levels were more affected in both groups.

The present study concluded that occupation is an important determinant for alcohol and substance use disorders in Iraq. Working as a journalist, is a risk factor particularly for alcohol dependence. Gender is an important determinant within each occupation as well.