An Exploration of the Lived Experiences of First-Generation Arab Immigrant Men in Sydney who Engage in Substance Use

Abstract

Over the years, the number of people of Arab descent who are displaced because of political conflicts has reached unprecedented levels. With more than 60 million people displaced because of conflicts across the Middle East and the larger Arab World, the majority of the Arabs are forced to migrate to other countries, presenting a wide range of challenges, including acculturation issues, resettlement issues, and potential exposure to substance use. This qualitative study aimed to explore and understand the lived experiences of the first- generation Arab immigrant men in Sydney, Australia who engage in substance use. The study attempted to assess how the first-generation Arab immigrant men in Sydney describe their experience with substance use, the perceived facilitators associated with substance use, and the professed barriers to overcoming substance use. Qualitative research methods and Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to explore the formulated study problem, detailing selected theories used for this study and the rationale. The findings showed that Arab immigrants in Australia face challenges of resettlement. The culture shock owing to the wide-scale social differences contributes significantly to these difficulties. Further, a career background in a professional working environment increases the likelihood of successful integration into Australia, allowing Arab immigrant men to settle seamlessly and proceed with life normally. The findings of this study enlighten authorities in Sydney, social service providers, and rehabilitation centres on the cultural integration and social settling among Arab immigrants and how it improves their predisposition to crime and engagement in substance use in Sydney, Australia.