Evaluation of young people’s attitudes towards people who use addictive substances

ABSTRACT

Background: Substance use and addiction have been one of the most important public health problems that all societies.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the attitudes of young people toward individuals who use addictive substances. The group studied consisted of individuals between the ages of 15–24 living in Istanbul.

Methods: The universe of the research consists of individuals between the ages of 15 and 24. Surveys were conducted on 407 individuals. A questionnaire consisting of 19 questions and a demographic data form consisting of 17 questions were used to determine the emotions, thoughts and attitudes and socio-demographic characteristics of the participants toward individuals using addictive substances.

Results: The proportion of respondents who use addictive substances is 3.4%. About twenty-two percent (n: 23) of respondents who stated that the period in which they first started using the addictive substance was primary school-secondary school. Most of respondents 54.3% said that people who use addictive substances have ignored their community values, while 70.5% said that people who use addictive substances are dangerous to society.

Conclusion: One of the important elements in preventing substance addiction is to ensure the reintegration of individuals using drugs into the society. In order to achieve this integration, drug users need to be supported by factors such as access to employment and housing and inclusion in social life.

KEYWORDS:

• Substance abuse
• social reintegration
• social support

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.