Migration and Addiction: Substance Use Profile Among Syrian Migrants

Abstract

In the literature, the experience of migration and its effects are considered as a risk in terms of addiction. This study aims to determine the substance use processes of Syrian immigrants and related risk factors, and to draw attention to the relationship between migration and addiction. In this context, first of all, the literature on the relationship between migration and addiction was examined, and then a field study was carried out. In the research, phenomenology, one of the qualitative research designs, was used and interviews were conducted with 4 substance users living in Bursa, who were selected by purposive sampling method. The study group is male and they have traumatic memories (such as the death of family members, imprisonment, being under siege, witnessing explosions, etc.) related to the civil war. According to the findings, the factors that encourage substance use are curiosity, influence of friends, the presence of substance users among relatives, anxiety about future and family problems. It has been observed that health problems, legal problems, family problems, anger control problems and financial problems are experienced as a result of substance use and social support resources are not sufficient, especially in this regard. Although they had the motivation to be treated, it was observed that they could not continue the treatment processes due to the language barrier, fear of deportation, and lack of information about treatment. Based on the findings, it is recommended to establish social assistance programs for immigrants, inform them about the treatment processes, and carry out studies to remove the barriers to their access to treatment.