Citation

Affinnih YH. Subst. Use Misuse 1999; 34(3): 443-454.

Affiliation

John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The City University of New York, New York 10019, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10082066

Abstract

The drug problem in Africa cannot be seen as an isolated phenomenon but rather as part of the larger narcoscape which partakes of the fluid yet disjunctive qualities of Appadurai's landscapes. In this volatile environment, the transformation of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) nations from transit points in an international drug network to consumer countries seems inevitable. At the same time, Africa has undergone rapid economic and social changes that have facilitate this shift. A review of the literature reveals that there is a pressing need to investigate current trends and patterns of drug use in the countries of SSA. These nations, struggling with the consequences of AIDS, famine, refugees, and political unrest, could ill afford to address the consequences of widespread drug use. It is critical, therefore, that they address the drug problem before it reaches crisis proportions. To do so, they need information describing the magnitude of the problem as well as a firm understanding of the relationships between drug use and crime, unemployment, violence, and the breakdown of family life. The more that is known about the nature and complexity of drug use in Africa, the better policymakers can formulate a sound and effective strategy to curtail the drug "epidemic."

Language: en