The sources of stigma and the impacts on Afghan refugees with substance abuse disorders: A qualitative study in Iran

Abstract

Iran is the fourth refugee-hosting country and Afghanistan is the second refugee-source country in the world. This research is qualitative and conducted with content analysis method. Twenty-seven individuals participated in the study. They were recruited from two midterm residential drug treatment centers in Tehran. Afghan refugees who use drugs felt and experienced stigma in five areas: family, friends, workplace, neighborhood, and treatment center. The consequences include frequent treatment failure, family relationship disruption, superficial conformity with the host society, and self-stigma. It is necessary to design interventions to reduce stigma and discrimination attached to refugees.

Keywords:

• Refugee
• stigma
• substance abuse

Acknowledgment

We thank and appreciate all participants who cooperated in conducting the present research.