EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF DRUG USE IN CÔTE D'IVOIRE

Abstract

: For more than a decade, Côte d'Ivoire has become the hub of illicit drugs in Africa. This is shown by the huge quantities (several tons/year) that have been seized by the authorities. Also, young users of these psychoactive substances do no longer hide themselves. However, few studies have been carried out on the epidemiology of drug addiction and on the complications linked to the use of these illicit drugs in Côte d'Ivoire. In this context, we planned to perform an epidemiological analysis of drug use in this country. To this end, a survey conducted using a questionnaire submitted to patients in two detoxification centers in the city of Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire). It was found from this study that the most illicit drugs commonly used in this country were respectively, cannabis, heroin, cocaine and crack. The preference for cannabis is due to its affordabîlity (relatively low cost). Also, learners (pupils and students) are the biggest consumers of drugs.