Methamphetamine in French Polynesia: from a social problem to a public problem

In French Polynesia, a major concern has arisen in recent years about the use of methamphetamine, imported from the United States in the form of crystals, known as “ice”.

Sachet de méthamphétamines
View the bibliographic record on the documentation portal

Based on a field survey conducted between 2019 and 2021, this issue explains how this drug has established itself in the Polynesian market despite its very high price, and how this social problem has - belatedly - become a public problem. This contribution shows that while the extent of addiction problems in French Polynesia is largely due to social causes, linked to the high level of inequality and the weakness of the welfare state, these issues are rarely addressed in public forums and rarely taken into account in public policies.

Publication type
Drugs, International Challenges
No.
15
Publication date
Language
French
English
Author(s)
SIMON
Alice
VALIERGUE
Alice
Edited by
OFDT
Number of pages
12
Products & addictions
MDMA/ecstasy and amphetamine
New Psychoactive Substances
Themes
Supply and markets
Public policy and healthcare provision
Specific population(s)
Adults
Vulnerable groups
Territories
French Polynesia
France
Overseas
Dispositif d'enquête et d'observation
Sociological and qualitative surveys

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