The Socio-Cultural and Health Impact Of Substance Abuse in Poompukar, Jaffna

This study investigates the multifaceted impact of substance abuse in Poompukar, a coastal region in Jaffna District, Northern Sri Lanka, with the objective of examining the socio-cultural, economic, and public health consequences of rising drug use, particularly among youth. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the research employed observations, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and structured questionnaires to capture comprehensive perspectives from affected community members, local authorities, and service providers. The findings reveal that factors such as socio-political instability, unemployment, and the erosion of traditional Tamil cultural values are major drivers of substance abuse in the area. Consequences include mental health challenges, family breakdown, gender-specific risks, and economic instability. The study identifies a significant gap in community-based rehabilitation services and preventive educational programs, highlighting the limitations of punitive-focused interventions. Additionally, the limited availability of mental health support and gender-sensitive recovery mechanisms emerged as key constraints. The research concludes with a call for integrated, multi-sectoral policies that combine law enforcement with preventive education, psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and livelihood programs, particularly focusing on youth and women. The study also acknowledges its limitation in geographical coverage, as it focuses primarily on one coastal village, suggesting the need for broader regional studies to generalize findings across Northern Sri Lanka.