Knowledge levels and attitudes of individuals regarding substance use disorder in Turkey

ObjectiveTo investigate the level of knowledge, and attitude of society toward substance use disorder (SUD).MethodIn this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire form created by the researchers was completed by individuals over the age of 18 between June and July 2022. A total of 1365 individuals (684 women, 681 men) participated in the study.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 36.22 +/- 10.47 years (min:18, max:75). A total of 19.2% did not consider addiction a medical disease, 37.4% thought that addiction was a moral failing, and 37.4% believed that addiction was a voluntary decision. 28.3% thought that only people with weak willpower will become addicted, 42.1% thought that trying substances would not lead to addiction, and 38.4% thought that substances can be quit without medical treatment. A total of 52.7% reported that they were afraid of people with addictions, 22.9% stated that they would not employ SUD patients in their workplace even if they had been treated. Only 36.8% of the participants had received any addiction-related training in their lifetime.ConclusionOur findings display that the level of knowledge about addiction in society in Turkey is low, and there is substantial stigmatization and negative views on people with addictions.