Stereotypes of drugs and drug abusers among students of the University of Malta

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to attempt to shed light on the stereotype of drugs and drug abusers among various students in the University of Malta. This study describes where stereotypes originate from and how a stereotype of drugs and drug abusers may be formed. It discusses the history of drugs in popular culture which may influence how people see drugs and drug abusers today. This dissertation also describes the study which was carried out in order to establish if there does exist a prevailing stereotype among the students of the University of Malta. It is important to be aware of stereotypes as they influence people's opinion on members within society. With specific reference to drugs and drug abusers the stereotypes created by society may be the cause of unemployment among ex-users and why women are prosecuted for drug related crimes much less often than men. Misconceptions of drugs may lead to ignorance of the reality of the drug situation both in Malta and abroad. Stereotyping drug abusers may lead to them being made social outcasts by the community. In order to complete the picture of the stereotype I sought to discover if students view drugs as a danger or as a necessity and if the students believe in drug rehabilitation programmes. It was important to determine whether students are in favour or against drug legalisation as it would show their attitudes towards drugs and drug abusers.