Licit and illicit drug use and social change among Bedouin Arabs in southern Israel

This study examines the levels of licit and illicit drug use among the urbanized and non-urbanized Negev Bedouin Arabs in Israel. In addition, issues of social relationships, environment and change, and socio-cultural values toward substance use were explored. The sample included 312 respondents, 150 from the urbanized settlements and 162 from the non-urbanized settlements. The results revealed that 64% of Bedouin reported using cigarettes, 90% of whom reported smoking daily. Cigarette use was significantly higher among non-urbanized (74%) than urbanized (55%) Bedouin. Thirty-one per cent of urbanized Bedouin and 30% of non-urbanized Bedouin reported ever using alcohol. Fifteen per cent of urban and non-urban Bedouin reported ever using illegal drugs, mainly cannabis. The majority of Bedouin substance users were under the age of 35. This strongly suggests that substance use, and in particular alcohol and drug use, represents a new phenomenon in this society. The Bedouin are in a transitional phase, which exposes them extensively to new and conflicting sets of social values, norms and behavioural patterns.