Influence of Culture Among Users of Illegal Substances in Oman: An Ethnographic Study

INTRODUCTION: The Oman citizen's community significantly shapes the drug user's life and identity after incarceration. We acknowledge that community support plays a significant role in life of users of illegal substances. The community's attitude towards users of illegal substances after imprisonment is very much linked to the tribal nature of society, which is supported by how most Oman citizens interpret their religion. We seek to investigate the impact of cultural influences and familial reintegration among Oman citizens on individuals who turn to illicit substances following their incarceration. METHODS: We recruited 19 Omani males aged 18-35 imprisoned in Oman Central Prison using purposive sampling. We conducted qualitative study using an ethnography method and collected data over 8 months to explore users of illegal substances life experiences both outside and during prison. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with the participants yielded detailed transcripts and field notes. We analyzed using a thematic framework and compared the results with existing literature. RESULTS: The participants described how stigmatization and rejection from society and family thwarted their attempts to reintegrate into the Omani community after their release from prison. The participants were facing difficulties in maintaining relationships with their family members and feeling a part of the family, despite their status. The primary reason for their loss of identity and self-worth appeared to be their lost or detached bonding with their families. The enormity of their accumulated psychophysiological trauma contributed to their early relapse and reincarceration. CONCLUSION: Users of illegal substances face the challenge of reestablishing contact with their families. Most participants reported that their family's lack of support was the primary factor contributing to their early relapse. Close family connections individualize the internal feeling of self-worth of users of illegal substances and increase motivation to seek help from family, especially during the period soon after release from prison.