What informed this study is to find out the effects of drug abuse on the behaviour of youths in Ugwan Rana. Relevant literatures were consulted as a means of searching into other research work related to my objectives of; the causes of drug abuse, frequency of drug abuse, difference between male and female youth’s involvement in drug abuse, effects of drug abuse, and ways to curtail drug abuse among youths in Ugwan Rana. One hundred (100) questionnaires were distributed to ten (10) purposively sampled areas using purposive sampling technique and the finding was analyzed using the simple percentage (%) method. The findings are as follows:
The most indicator of measuring the rate of drug abuse in the study area are Age, Sex, Level of educational qualification, Marital status, Occupation, and Family background. More so, there is clear cut difference between the single, married, divorced/separated, and widowed/widower in drug abuse in the study areas as showed in table 4.2.4. 13.8% - n=13 respondents who responded confirm that, they have no formal education at all in their life as shown in table 4.2.3. Mostly youths 62.8% - n=59 use drugs and abuse it at a relatively higher rate as in table 4.2.5.
Many participants give reason for using drugs in the study areas as; It helps one to relax, It help one to sleep, It make one feel better and calm, It help one loose weight, and It enhance ones activity among others just as shown in table 4.3.7. The findings reveal that
enhancing activity (42.6%) is the number one reasons why youths abuse drugs in Ugwan Rana.
The finding also shows that Alcohol (26.6% - n=25) is the most commonly abuse drug as shown in table 4.3.11. The finding also shows that males (46.8% - n=44) abuse more of alcohol than any other drugs as shown in table 4.3.14. While females (54.2% - n=51) abuse more of pain killer as presented in table 4.3.15. This finding also shows that environmental factors such as nearness to bar, neighbour who is into drug abuse and where illicit drugs are traded can also be contributing factors to why youths abuse drugs. From the finding in table 4.3.8 environmental factors stand at (71.3% - n=67). The search also showed that family crises (66% - n=62) in table 4.3.9 contribute to why youths abuse drugs.
The researcher also find out that male (80.9% - n=76) in table 4.3.13 youths abuse drugs more than female youths. The researcher also find out that not been able to contrite (31.9% - n=30) in table 4.3.17, 46.8% - n=44 Uncertain of their health condition due to drug abuse, 55.3% - n=52 agreed that drug abuse lead to violent behaviour as shown in table 4.3.19, and lastly 35.1% - n=33 of drug abusers get into fight and quarrel after abusing drugs as indicated in table 4.3.20.
Drug abuse is as old as mankind and serves different functions to human kind, but when misused it can cause hardship to humanity. Drug use should therefore be used with great caution and when there is medical need and proscriptions. Drug use and abuse are no longer strange to the entire Nigeria society and the world, but they should be eradicated in the interest of the well-being of our youths.
Alcohol and Indian hemp was the major drug abuse by the respondent in the study area. It was found among the youths and mostly singles and married youths. Drug abuse affects almost all system of the body, including nervous system, Castro intestine, circulatory system, respiratory endocrine, and reproductive system, giving rise to a variety of physical and mental health disorders. The problem of drug abuse goes beyond damages it cause to the health of the consumer. Drug abuse has social, psychology and economic implications. The effects are felt by individuals, family and the entire members of the society. Also, the cost on industry and schools as a result of absenteeism, lateness, work- related accidents and decreased inefficiency is tremendous.
The health and social consequences of drug abuse create a major economic loss to any nation. Drug use and abuse affects the health of the labour force which reduces it’s over all productivity. Treatment of drug abusers is very expensive and huge sum of money are required to combat it as noted by Ibanga (1998:22).
Based on the finding and analysis of the data, it is quite clear that there is an increasing trend of drug abuse in Ugwan Rana with her youths constituting the high risk group. It is also clear that hospital case and most accident cases, violent cases and mental disorder can be traced to drug abuse problems in the study area.
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS.
The finding of the research has informed the researcher to make recommendations. The inclusions of such suggestions are based on the researcher’s assessment that they are
objective suggestions and would serve the interest of harmonious social relations. These recommendations are made taking into consideration that Drug Abuse is a phenomenon not just in Ugwan Rana, but in the world today. In order to reduce the increasing rate of drug use and abuse and its adverse effect on the economy and the society at large, the following recommendations are presented here for consideration.
a. Recovery (rehabilitation) centre should be established to help the addict himself by first doing for them what they cannot do for themselves: - If addict could quite by themselves they would. A strong, caring, knowledgeable and experience support system and network of resources are required to be established to help the drug addict recover from their addiction. Families and loved ones can learn about addiction and themselves by reading resource materials such as this to help expand their knowledge of drug abuse, its effects on the behaviour of their children (youth) and also help to control their behaviour.
b. It’s also important to observe the living condition and the environment of the addict: - If the addict’s environment is considered an improper environment where proper treatment can be received, there may be need to change that environment. The reason is some environment may provide difficulties for the addict to be able to make positive progress. In the case of the existence of such environment, the drug addict may need a neutral environment where proper adjustment can be sought.
c. Family counselling should also be encouraged: - the needed family support and the environment of warmth and living lender care could do the drug addict or abuser a lot of good. Strong family supports have been recognized to have positive effect on
many drug abusers who have been observed to possess low self-esteem and also low emotional intelligence.
d. There is also the need for long-term professional care for severe emotional disturbance among individuals may also assist in the positive lifelong remission of drug abuse.
e. Treatment and lack of proper self-discipline (self care) due to underlying psychological, emotional disturbance or trauma, is just one causal factor for drug abuse, therapy can therefore focus on instilling discipline properly without intimidation or physical abuse.
f. There is need to train the drug abusers on how to make better use of long-term goals rather than the frustrating short-term goals which often time lead to frustration.
g. There is need to introduce freedom and faire-play to our country’s political atmosphere: - our politician should not destroy our youths by turning them to political thugs and hooligan with the aid of drug abuse. Politicians should be requested to bring their own children to lead the political violent groups.
h. Gone are the days when the whole village was interested in raising the child. Our society may need to revert to the traditional societal norms of every adult within the community, showing interest in the growth and development of every child.
i. Sociologist and social workers should go out to fish for drug abusers who have the intension to stoop drug abusing behaviour and help drug abuse client to voluntary change their drug dependent behaviour and re-orientate their attributes, values and goals so that their problem of drug abuse may be solved.
j. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should be empowered in all ramifications by the government in their fight against drug abuse in the country. They must also intensify their antidrug campaigns in order to have a drug- free society with a special focus on the Nigerian youths because they are the future leaders of this great Country in the black continent of Africa.
k. Preventive education, treatment and rehabilitation, public enlightenment, non- governmental organization community mobilization and social re-integration programme should be organized to assist youths in the society.
l. Parents should endeavour to learn to communicate with their children without yelling or rage. It is presumed that a peaceful environment will always promote peaceful and normal growth.
m. In order to really help the situation, the government should have a well- defined comprehensive and realistic policy on control of drugs. This policy should include establishing a federal drug control centre, under the auspices of the ministries of health and internal affairs, which will collate information on drug use, and liaise with similar smaller units, to be based in each state.
n. Finally, any law, which is designed to control drug abuse behaviour, must embrace suggestions from the country’s relevant professional bodies such as social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, sociologists, youth and welfare officers, counsellors, educationists, ministry of health officials and law enforcement agents.
Drug abuse has been considered by most experts’ worldwide to be more problematic than other forms of social problems. The problem and effects of drug abuse include; academic challenges, poor peer relationship, and several health related problems such as; cancer, heart disease, including mental health problem. This problem does not only have consequences on the individual but also to his/her family members in the aspect of finances, emotional resources, the entire community where one lives and the society as a whole and many more. Drug abuse by youths can cause adverse health effects or issues such deaths; it can also be a stumbling block to one’s success at work places, at home and in their various place of educational pursuit.
The finding of this research work is concerned with following; the causes of drug abuse, frequency of drug abuse, difference between male and female youth’s involvement in drug abuse, effects of drug abuse, and ways to curtail drug abuse among youths in Ugwan Rana. This will help parent, policy makers and the government, teachers in fashioning out ways or policies that can help in checking youth’s accessibility to drugs. It will also help contribute to knowledge of parents an all stakeholders in the areas of direction in the war on drug abuse and how to educate their youths in the dangers associated with drug abuse. It will also help the various government law enforcement agencies burdened with the task of war against illicit drug use and abuse such as; National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). This will make ensure that war against drug abuse is worn for the betterments of every body and our loving society.
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APPENDIX
Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Jos,
Plateau State, Nigeria.
Dear Respondent,
I am an undergraduate student of the above named institution carrying out a research on the Effects of Substance Abuse among Youth of Ungwan Rana. This is a criterion for the award of Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Administration. You are kindly requested to fill this questionnaire as suggested. All information’s provided will be treated with high sense of confidentiality and will be used only for the purpose of this research and nothing else. Please tick and fill the appropriate box that is most suitable among the alternative provided for each question. All questions should be answered.
Thank you Akas Susie
SECTION A: SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC DATA 1. AGE RANGE OF RESPONDENT.
(a) 15-19 years ( ) (b) 20-24 years ( ) (c) 25-29 years ( ) (b) 30-34 years ( ) (e) 35 year and above ( )
2. SEX
(a) Male ( ) (b) Female ( ) 3. EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION:
4. MARITAL STATUS:
(a) Single ( ) (b) Married ( ) (c) Divorced ( ) (d) Widowed ( ) (e) Separated ( )
5. OCCUPATION:
(a)Farmer ( ) (b) Self-employed ( ) (c) Apprentice ( ) (d) Student ( ) (e) Unemployed ( ) (f) Others (specify)...
6. FAMILY BACKGROUND.
(a) Monogamy ( ) (b) Polygyny ( ) (c) Broken home ( ) (d) Others (specify)...
SECTION B.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE 1: CAUSES OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUTHS 7. What do you think is the most important reason why you abuse drug?
(Specify)...
8. Do you think environmental factors (such as closeness to hotels, joints) where one lives influence your abuse of drugs? (Specify)...
9. Does crisis in the family influence your intake of drugs? (a) Strongly Agree ( ) (b) Agree ( ) (c) Disagree ( ) (d) Strongly Disagree ( )
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE 2: FREQUENCY OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUTHS 10. How often do you use and abuse drugs?...
11. What type of drugs do you often take? (Please specify below). (a) ...
12. Under which of the following will you rate yourself on the frequency of drug intake (based on your answer above in question 11 above).
(a) Very Common ( ) (b) Common ( ) (c) Not Common ( ) (d) Less Common ( )
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE 3: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE YOUTHS INVOLVEMENT IN DRUG ABUSE.
13. Do you think the Male use and abuse drugs more than the Female? (a) Yes ( ) (b) No
14. Which of the drug is abuse more by males (if Yes)... 15. Which of the drug is abuse more by female ... 16. Do you think drug abuse has more adverse effects on female than male? (a) Yes ( ) (b) No
Give reason for your response above in question 16 if Yes ...
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE 4: THE EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE ON THE YOUTHS 17. What is your experience after taking any drugs? (Please specify)
(i)...
18. How would you rate your health condition base on your drug intake? (a) Very Satisfactory ( ) (b) Satisfactory ( ) (c) Uncertain ( ) (d) Dissatisfactory ( ) (e) Very Dissatisfactory ( )
19. Youths who abuse drugs engage in violent behaviour.
(a) Strongly Agree ( ) (b) Agree ( ) (c) Undecided ( ) (d) Disagree ( ) (e) strongly disagree ( )
20. What type of violent behaviour do you engage in after taking drugs? (Base on your response above if Strongly Agree or Agree)...
21. What do you think can be done by the government, individual and organizations concerned with youths to help youths who abuse drugs?