Jasmine Nights, Hidden Fights: Drug Misuse in Tunisia [Meta Episode]

29 Oct

Guest Speaker: Hajer Karoui

In this Meta episode for "Jasmine Nights, Hidden Fights: Drug Misuse in Tunisia", the Craving Clarity Team (Danielle, Brianna, and Ayan) speak to Hajer Karoui to learn more about what was discussed with Professor Nabil Ben Salah and Eya Hariz regarding drug misuse in Tunisia.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the drug culture in Tunisia and how drug consumption differs amongst different classes of people. This then leads to Hajer explaining differences in views, education and knowledge about drugs and substances in Arab societies compared to the global north.

The conversation then shifts to drug laws in Tunisia and landmark policies such as Law 52. Hajer talks about how Tunisia's drug laws shape the culture of drug consumption and the stigma around it. Importantly, Hajer expands on what was learnt from Professor Salah and Eya Hariz about the attitude to the decriminalisation of drugs and whether this is something that policy would consider.

On the topic of treatment and recovery, Hajer explains the resources and treatment services currently available to those seeking help for substance misuse. Interestingly, we discuss the unique challenges Tunisian women face in their fight against drug misuse, and what resources are available to them.

The conversation then broadens beyond Tunisia, to the North African level, in which comparisons between the Moroccan and Tunisian legal, health and policy frameworks concerning drug misuse and treatment are made.

Listen now on Spotify.