Exploring treatment barriers on the use of crystal methamphetamine among young people in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background: Substance misuse among young people is one of the most public concerns in global health. This study set out to explore treatment barriers and abstinence paradigm among young people. Methodology: This study utilized an explorative qualitative approach. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from 30 participants. The data was thematically analyzed. Results: The study found that the barriers to treatment among the young people included fear of being incarcerated, poor drug awareness, stigmatization, inhibiting financial costs for treatment, and conflating drug use with personal freedom. Conclusion: There is a need to improve drug awareness and treatment among young people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).