A sociological research on the individual and socialconsequences of substance addiction: The case of Erbil

M.Sc. Thesis Aram Neamat MEZWRI VAN YUZUNCU YIL UNIVERSITY INSTITUE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AUGUST, 2024 A SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ON THE INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF SUBSTANCE ADDICTION: THE CASE OF ERBIL ABSTRACT This research aimed to examine the individual and social consequences of substance addiction of young people between the ages of 18-35 who are incarcerated in prisons in Erbil, from a sociological perspective. The research used a mixed method in which qualitative and quantitative methods were used together. Therefore, research data was obtained and analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques. The research found findings that substance addiction causes serious biological, psychological and sociological effects and consequences on young people. In addition, it has been found that substance addiction causes health problems such as weakened immune system, nutritional disorders and chronic diseases in young people, psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, and family conflicts, social isolation, and different problems in social life areas such as education and business life. Thus, the study found negative individual and social consequences, such as the prevalence of substance addiction among young people threatening social security, increasing crime rates, negatively affecting economic growth by reducing the productivity of the young population, and increasing the economic burden on health services. In the research, in order to combat the negative individual and social consequences of substance addiction, dissemination of awareness-oriented training programs for young individuals, raising awareness against substance addiction in the society, creating support programs for families, increasing accessibility to treatment and rehabilitation services, cooperation between non-governmental organizations, local governments and state institutions. Suggestions such as strengthening cooperation were presented. Keywords: A Sociological Research, Erbil Example, Individual and Social Consequences, Substance Addiction. Quantity of Page: xi +139 Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdurrahman MENG