Culture, Substance Use, and Addiction
Drug abuse remains one of the most pervasive public health and psychological challenges across the globe, with sociocultural contexts shaping patterns of use, meanings, and responses. In many societies, cultural beliefs, rituals, and social norms influence how individuals perceive and engage with substances, often determining whether drug use is stigmatized, tolerated, or normalized. This study investigates the sociocultural determinants of drug abuse in Ebonyi State Nigeria, with specific attention to how cultural values, peer networks, and community norms sustain patterns of substance use and addiction. Employing a qualitative phenomenological design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 participants, including drug users, recovering addicts, and community health workers in Ebonyi State. Thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step procedure revealed four key themes: (1) cultural normalization of certain substances, (2) peer and social learning as drivers of initiation, (3) stigma, shame, and double standards, and (4) cultural coping mechanisms and silence. Findings highlight that drug abuse cannot be fully addressed without understanding its deep cultural underpinnings, which influence both risk and resilience. The study recommends the following to combat drug abuse; community-based psychoeducation, culturally sensitive counseling interventions, and collaboration between psychologists, health workers, and traditional leaders. Implications for psychological research and public health practice are discussed.