The drug addicts' usage of information and communication technologies

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are broadly used to support people's daily needs. Individuals addicted to psychoactive drugs sometimes present social exclusion as well as, limitations to the usage of ICT such as Internet, devices and applications. The aim of this paper is to present the findings of a pilot study related to the use of Information and Communication Technologies by Drug Addicts. A survey was conducted on 204 users of psychoactive substances. According to the results, the majority of the drug addicts seem to use ICT on a daily basis, showing their preference on Smartphones compared to other devices. The Internet access and the usage of Social Media and Communication Networks by addicted individuals is quite high, probably because they are willing to reintegrate into the society through Social Networks. Age is often related to the usage of ICT on Drug Addicts.