NCJ Number
178170
Journal
Substance Use and Misuse Volume: 34 Issue: 3 Dated: 1999 Pages: 443-454
Date Published
1999
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study reviews the literature pertinent to drug use in Sub-Saharan Africa countries, along with its economic and social implications.
Abstract
The review concludes that the drug problem in Africa cannot be viewed as an isolated phenomenon, but rather as part of the larger narcoscape that partakes of the fluid yet disjunctive qualities of the "landscapes" proposed by Appadurai (1990). The author defines "narcoscape" as "the totality of global networks - - narcosyndicates as well as individuals -- trafficking in heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and other psychotropic substances." 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 facilitated 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, which are 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 that describes the magnitude of the problem as well as an 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." 2 tables and 26 references