The effect of drug addiction on social relationships: Erbil/Iraq

Drugs have been an increasing problem for humanity and states for many years. In parallel with the population growth around the world,substance addiction is becoming an increasingly serious problem. This increase leads to the intensification of policies and studies at global and local levels. Studies on substance addiction in Erbil often reveal the psychological and social aspects of addiction. It is important that the individual needs a social framework when expressing himself, therefore the effects of addiction in the context of personal identity should be examined in detail. This study deals with the meaning of addiction for themselves and society, and the effects of this situation on society, from the perspective of substance addicts. It examines the daily lives and thoughts of addicts, focusing on their experiences in both public and private spaces. It aims to shed light on the negative stigma and interaction problems that substance use creates in society. It also explores understanding the societal perspective on substance abuse and the causes of addiction through personal stories. This study focused on substance addicts in Erbil. The rapidly growing structure of Erbil city and its proximity to the border affected the scope of this study. In this research conducted with 40 volunteer addicted participants, prisoners in General Security Directorate / Erbil- Erbil province, the behavior and interactions of addicts in society were analyzed. The effects of participants' substance use on social life and their social roles were revealed. The analysis of the collected qualitative data was carried out in a descriptive manner. In the research, the effects of substance addiction were examined in interviews with people from various social strata. The results show that substance addicts are excluded by society, have difficulty expressing themselves, and experience social isolation. It has been understood that stigma has an order within itself. The research identifies several important findings as follows: First, there is a noticeable increase in drug consumption in the Erbil/Kurdish region, and both the type and quantity of drugs are increasing. This trend has led to the deterioration of personal relationships between users and their families, decreased hope and motivation, decreased work capacity, job loss, and erosion of self-confidence. Second, ongoing drug use depletes the family's finances, encourages the encroachment on assets owned by the family and others, resorts to debt, theft, and illegal activities, and causes conflicts with law enforcement. Finally, drug use causes behavioral problems and social disapproval, which leads to increased family disputes and increased separations and divorces.