[Status of drug addiction in Mostar]

Drug addiction is becoming a more serious problem in many countries in transition and so in B and H. The age limit is decreasing to younger age groups, and the number of i.v. drug users is increasing every day. The aim of our research was to examine the habits, attitudes and practise related to drug taking of young people in the area of the city of Mostar. Following methods were used in our research: polls, focus groups, interviews, observation and mapping. Results showed that one third of all examinees used or use some kind of drug. Marihuana is mostly used, although other drugs are also used, like in the rest of the world. Drugs are available to everybody and on many places in town. The main reasons for taking drugs are dissatisfaction with the actual social and political and also economical situation, lack of contents for the youth and lack of meeting places for them. Drug consuming is a try of running away from reality. Most addictives consider that they dont need any kind of help. Just a small number of addictives would be ready for medical treatment, but if it were noninstitutional. Drug addiction is one of the more important problems for the city of Mostar. We must take its solving more organising then by now. The including and co-working of more sectors is necessary, but the role of the family is the most important.