Literature review: Obstacles to substance use disorder prevention and treatment in Syria: Lessons from neighboring countries.

Abstract

This literature review examines the significant barriers to effective Substance Use Disorder (SUD) prevention and treatment in conflict-affected Syria. The analysis identifies a punitive legal framework, a decimated healthcare system, and profound social stigma as primary obstacles. In contrast, the review highlights progressive policy adaptations in neighboring countries-including Lebanon, Turkey, and Iran-that have shifted toward public health-oriented models. By synthesizing these comparative lessons, this review offers evidence-based recommendations for reforming Syria's approach to SUD, advocating a transition from criminalization to a health-centered strategy that prioritizes human rights, public health outcomes, harm reduction reforms, and resilience-building interventions to reduce substance use initiation in conflict-affected settings.