[Drug addiction in Lebanon]

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Public Health
• History

Context:

• The Lebanese Civil War (1973-1990) created conditions conducive to increased drug addiction.
• A review of the social and historical context of drug use in Lebanon is provided.

Purpose:

• To analyze the expansion of drug addiction in Lebanon during the civil war.
• To profile drug addicts, examining demographics, drug types, and socioeconomic factors.

Summary:

• Drug addiction in Lebanon significantly expanded during the civil war, affecting individuals primarily between 13-35 years old (mean age of first use: 20).
• Heroin was the predominant drug (80.5%), often inhaled, with a male-to-female ratio of 8:2. The phenomenon saw increased prevalence among lower socioeconomic classes and in urban centers.
• Psychological fragility, economic crisis, increased drug availability, and a permissive socio-cultural environment exacerbated addiction during the conflict.

Impact:

• The study highlights the multifaceted impact of civil conflict on public health, specifically drug addiction.
• Findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing socioeconomic and psychological vulnerabilities exacerbated by war.