Why I did drugs: A glimpse into the life of young Lebanese drug users

There are few studies related to illicit drug use in Lebanon. According to local rehab centers the number of drug users is on the rise even though the studies that are done do not reflect this. The objective of this study was to understand the social determinants that may play a role in illicit drug use and to contribute to the design of local preventive programs. Over the span of 5 months, 3 focus groups and 18 interviews were done with ex-drug users in a Local Rehabilitation and follow-up center. Questions on a range of topics related to lifestyle, background, perceptions, and personal circumstances were addressed. A total of 33 male and female participants, ages 18-25 were part of the study. Common themes that arose in the data included: the lack of a stable family structure, being part of a broken home, searching for a sense of belonging, traumatic and/or unusual experiences during childhood and early adolescence, drug use as a coping mechanism, release from personality traits, boredom, availability and accessibility. Due to the fact that no qualitative studies have been done with drug users in Lebanon, these themes may help give insight into the situation and possible underlying issues behind drug use. It is a new perspective and should be followed by more research with the affected groups in order to be able to begin to understand how to focus prevention programs in our community.