IDEAL INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL

Drug abuse has become a societal problem, with its prevalence being found among youths. The study investigated the contemporary trend of drug abuse and its effects among youth in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Identifying the factors influencing the prevalence of the contemporary trend of drug abuse among youths, and the effects were among the objectives of the study. Differential association theory was employed as the theoretical framework. A total of 208 respondents were used. Multistage and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. The collected data were analyzed using simple frequency distribution tables and simple percentages. Findings from the study showed that drug abuse is a prevalent issue among the youth in Awka South Local Government Area, and that it has significant effects on their physical and mental health, financial, social well-being and academic performance. It also showed that morphine is the leading contemporary trend in drugs being abused by youths, followed by cannabis, tramadol and rophypnol amongst others. It was also found that there are various factors influencing the prevalence of the contemporary trend of drug abuse among youth, such as frustration, peer influence, sensation, and a lack of parental control. However, the study found that psychological disorders, social isolation, poor academic performance, and low self esteem are the effects of drug abuse among youths. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the government, through its agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), should partner with academic institutions, community stakeholders, and religious leaders to create awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, especially among youths, provide treatment for the affected individuals and implement better policies and regulations to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse among youth in Awka South Local Government Area. Achieving this, would go a long way towards reducing the alarming rate of illicit drugs being abused by youth.

Open Full Text (PDF)