DRUG USE AMONG ALGERIAN YOUTHS: A FIELD STUDY WITH A GROUP OF INJECTABLE DRUG USERS IN THE ORAN WESTERN REGION

Abstract

This study attempts to shed light on the phenomenon of drug use among youth in Algerian society. It focused on an important group that is often not easily addressed, namely injectable drug users, due to their significance and uniqueness. These drug addicts have dealt with various types of drugs and have transitioned to a new stage of substance use, which is typically practised by a specific group. Therefore, we conducted a mixed-methods field study combining quantitative statistical analysis through surveys and qualitative research through semi-structured interviews with drug users. The aim was to understand their social context, describe their experiences with drugs and their methods of consumption, and find out their socio-demographic characteristics.