Qualitative exploration of the experiences of men who use drugs of obtaining psychoactive medicinal products in Jordan

Abstract

In Jordan, almost any medication can be bought from pharmacies. This ready availability is linked with abuse. Previous literature describes medicine abuse from pharmacists’ and general public perspectives. Here we investigate experiences of 17 men in addiction treatment in Amman (21-39 years) of obtaining psychoactive medicines. Alprazolam, clonazepam, bromazepam and tramadol were most commonly abused. Psychoactive medicines were obtained from street dealers, but pharmacies were preferred. Regulations appears ineffective; lack of understanding of pharmacists of the abuse potential of some medicines was perceived; ‘softening rules’ on supply was attributed to cultural and social norms around familiarity.

Keywords:

• Prescription medicine
• over-the-counter
• misuse
• pharmacy
• Jordan

Acknowledgements

We thank the participants and the Addiction Treatment Center in Amman for facilitating this work. We also thank the Daniel Turnberg Fellowship, Academy of Medical Sciences for the travel fellowship which facilitated JS visit to Jordan to plan this work.

Declaration of interest

None