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Summary
Drug abuse patterns in Jordan (1970-1977) shifted, with rising licit psychoactive drug use alongside illicit substances like hashish. Abuse spans diverse demographics, highlighting the need for better information systems for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Sociology
Background:
- Drug abuse is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding drug abuse trends is crucial for effective intervention.
- Limited data existed on drug abuse patterns in Jordan during the 1970s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and trends of licit and illicit drug abuse in Jordan between 1970 and 1977.
- To identify the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of drug abusers.
- To provide insights for prevention and intervention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized indirect measurements and indicators to assess drug abuse prevalence.
- Employed direct estimates of drug abuse in various Jordanian localities.
- Analyzed data covering the period from 1970 to 1977.
Main Results:
- Observed changing patterns in the abuse of illicit drugs (hashish, opiates) and licit psychoactive drugs (tranquilizers, barbiturates).
- Documented a steady increase in the incidence of licit drug abuse in recent years.
- Found that drug abusers came from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, occupations, and age groups.
Conclusions:
- Drug abuse in Jordan during the study period exhibited evolving trends, with a notable rise in licit psychoactive drug misuse.
- The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive socio-cultural contextualization of drug abuse.
- Emphasized the importance of developing an adequate information system to support prevention and intervention efforts.