The Perceptions and Meanings of Substance Use among Young Men in Woldia Town: A Phenomenological Study

Background Substance use is an increasing public health and social concern in Ethiopia, particularly among young adults. However, little qualitative research has explored how young men understand and assign meaning to their experiences with substance use. Guided by a constructivist phenomenological perspective, this study explored how young men perceived the causes, consequences, and personal meanings of substance use. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed, involving in-depth semi-structured interviews with five adult men receiving rehabilitation services for substance use. Data were analyzed inductively using thematic analysis. Results Participants described substance use as a complex phenomenon shaped by psychological distress, peer influence, socioeconomic challenges, and the availability of substances. They perceived substance use as a temporary coping mechanism that provided short-term emotional relief but ultimately resulted in dependence, social isolation, stigma, and declining physical and mental health. Participants also explained that their interpretations of stressful life events, rather than the events themselves, influenced their decisions to initiate and continue substance use, highlighting the central role of subjective meaning-making. Conclusions The findings demonstrate that substance use among young men is deeply embedded in personal, social, and structural contexts. Effective responses should integrate psychosocial support, mental health services, community awareness, and accessible rehabilitation programs. The findings also underscore the importance of early intervention, stigma reduction, family-centered support, and culturally responsive counseling and social work interventions that acknowledge the lived experiences of young men in Ethiopia.