A sociological study of substance use among Turkish youth in Germany

Migration is a complex system that can lead to stress among migrants who are uprooted from their homes. Immigrants are often associated with increased risk factors for behaviors such as substance use and addiction. A multitude of intersecting factors determines this relationship. One issue that has been a subject of study by public-health and sociology academics has been the substance use among immigrants stemming from this displacement. This study focuses on the increase in substance use among Turkish youth in Germany, who are part of the Germany’s largest immigrant population. Five main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) generational patterns in substance use, (2) identity conflict, acculturation stress and mental health issues, (3) structural and social exclusion, (4) barriers to addiction treatment, and (5) protective factors. The results of the literature review reveal the need for empirical studies that consider the specific characteristics and context of Turkish youth in Germany regarding their substance use trends.