Drug Consumption in Algerian Universities Settings : Field Study in Ten Universities Across Algeria

Drug consumption is a problem in Algeria, as it is in many other countries worldwide. Currently, many drugs, including the most potent, are widely used. Algeria is therefore facing a significant phenomenon of drug consumption. In 2015, the national gendarmerie seized 34 tons of cannabis and 11,000 psychotropic pills (figures reported in the press).

According to statistics published by the National Office for the Fight Against Drugs and Addiction (ONLDT) for 2011–2016, the various anti-crime and anti-drug services handled 7,473 cases in 2011, of which 1,939 were related to drug trafficking and distribution. In 2012, they handled 12,109 cases, including 2,948 cases of illicit drug trafficking. In 2013, all anti-drug services dealt with 13,989 cases, including 3,592 cases related to illicit drug trafficking. In 2014, 11,130 cases were processed, including 3,097 related to drug trafficking. Finally, in 2015, all anti-drug services handled 19,692 cases. Compared to 2014, when 15,448 individuals were arrested (including 183 foreigners), there was an increase of 10,668 individuals (+69.06%) and a decrease of 54 foreigners (-29.51%).

The latest ONLDT report also notes an increase in seized quantities, from 215,081 pills between January and May 2016 to 314,984 during the same period in 2017, representing a 46.45% increase. A 2015 study by ONLDT revealed that approximately 300,000 Algerians aged 12–35 consume drugs. It also showed that drug consumption, which was previously concentrated in urban areas, is now spreading to rural regions and even the southern parts of Algeria. This phenomenon affects all social categories, including youth, adults, men and women, unemployed and employed individuals, rich and poor, and extends to universities and student dormitories.

Today, drug use constitutes a serious societal problem, particularly in terms of public health, law enforcement, and economics. It contributes to increased crime and accidents. Addiction often compels users to seek money by various means, exposing them to further risks. Sudden cessation of drug use can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, tremors, excessive sweating, insomnia, and sometimes hallucinations.

This study emerged from the observation that much of the discourse on drug use in Algeria focuses on criminalized populations—users in care facilities or detention—representing a segment with high drug use and multiple social problems. However, this group does not represent the entire population of drug users. This prompted a shift in focus toward university students to analyze their patterns of drug use, the meanings it holds in student life, and how they control consumption and dependence. Moreover, statistical data on this topic remain limited and do not accurately reflect trends in university settings.

National bibliographic reviews indicate that research on drug use among youth, particularly university students, is insufficient. Existing knowledge mainly derives from specialized treatment centers and some epidemiological surveys of users, often designed to evaluate strategies or action plans against drug abuse. This is insufficient to meet the growing social need for a comprehensive understanding and analysis of the phenomenon. Hence, this study aims to shed light on drug consumption in universities, contributing to prevention, risk reduction, and strategies against drug trafficking in these environments.

Specific Objectives

In this psychosociological research on drug use in universities, the study aims to:

Identify patterns of drug consumption according to university locations, considering supply and demand dynamics.Determine the social profile of drug-consuming populations to analyze related problems within these settings.Identify factors driving consumption by geographic location, providing the basis for recommendations and policy guidance for relevant authorities and institutions in prevention and treatment.Collect quantitative and qualitative data over a six-month period to meet the study’s specific objectives. University students constitute the primary sample, while other university actors (doctors, psychologists, and student organizations) form an additional analytic group to provide further insights. Long-Term Objectives Clearly communicate key research findings to authorities and institutions responsible for prevention and treatment of drug use and addiction, including the ONLDT.Use quantitative and qualitative data to redefine strategies for combating this issue in university settings.Develop interventions adapted to the needs of university students, taking into account the specific characteristics of the university environment.