Substance Abuse in Tunisia: A Growing Concern
In Tunisia, a quarter of the population aged 15 to 64 has developed a dependence on certain psychoactive substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, which represents a high rate, according to Dr. Nabil Ben Salah, head of addiction at the Ministry of Health, in a recent radio interview.
Alarming Statistics
The figures are alarming, particularly for young people aged 15 to 17, among whom the consumption of addictive products has increased over the past decade. Specifically:
- Tobacco consumption in this age group has increased from 22% to 30% between 2013 and 2021.
- Alcohol consumption has risen from 6% to 8% during the same period.
- The most alarming phenomenon is the increase in ecstasy consumption, which has risen by 7% among young people.
Environmental and Family Factors
Several environmental and family factors are believed to be responsible for the increase in illicit substance consumption among this age group, including:
- Stress and discomfort
- Withdrawal into a virtual world, exacerbated by social media addiction, which conveys images and messages that encourage this type of behavior
- Peer pressure
Comparison with Other Countries
Compared to other Arab and Maghreb countries, Tunisia has consumption rates of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs that are closest to European averages, which is alarming, according to Dr. Ben Salah. He notes that addiction leads to a change in behavior, characterized by withdrawal and poor academic performance, as well as a compulsive need for money to purchase psychoactive substances.
Role of Psychiatrists and Psychologists
Psychiatrists and psychologists play a crucial role in addressing addiction, as most people suffering from addiction also present with psychological disorders.
Current and Future Measures
Currently, consultations are available in several establishments, including:
- Razi Hospital
- Montfleury Medical Center
- Mahdia and Sfax hospitals
To respond to the constant increase in the number of people affected, the Ministry of Health plans to:
- Strengthen existing infrastructure and create new ones
- Integrate specialized medical consultations into Monastir and Gafsa hospitals
- Expand the Djbel El Oust and Thyna (Sfax) centers and build a new center in Monastir
These measures aim to improve access to care for all patients suffering from addiction.
