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DRUG ABUSE AND MISUSE AMONG YOUNG PERSONS

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The problem of drug misuse and abuse is evidently one of the most serious social problems facing our contemporary society. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2013) report, 320,000 young people between the ages of 15 and 29 years die annually from alcohol-related drugs, resulting in 9% of all deaths in that age category while the same report shows that at least 15.3 million persons have drug use disorders. In recent past, researchers have paid significant attention to the issue of drug abuse in Nigeria (Adelekan, Abiodun, Obayan, &Ogunremi, 1992; Odejide, 1997; Adewuya, Ola, &Aloba, 2006; Adebiyi, Faseru, Sangowawa, &Owoaje, 2010; Chikere&Mayowa, 2011; Fareo, 2012). Despite this volume of work, the 2012 World Annual Drug Report failed to show any appreciable improvement in the fight against substance abuse.

Abuse of psychoactive substances portends a great danger for adolescent developments. Structurally speaking, the teenage years bridge the critical period of life from being a dependent child to an independent adult. As such, it is the life transition where the bulk of adult behaviours and responsibilities are developed. Adolescence by its very nature and demands is stressful. The period is the training ground for the acquisition of critical adult competencies and behavior which are necessary to navigate through life.

Drugs of abuse ranges from alcohol, club drugs (used by adolescents at bars, night clubs etc. For example ketamine), cocaine, fentamyl, heroine, inhalants, LSD, marijuana, MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, tobacco, PCP, prescription drugs, anabolic steroids and the newly emerging drugs of abuse. The outlook depicted by Olutola (2012) shows cannabis consumption (10.8%), psychotropic substances – benzodiazepines (10.6%), heroine (1.6%), and cocaine (1.4%). In Nigeria, alcohol and tobacco constitute the most abused drugs among the adolescents (Olutola, 2012; Adebiyi et al, 2010; Chikere&Mayowa, 2011; Gureje, Dengenhardt, Olley, Uwakwe, Udofia, Wakil, et al 2007; Okoza, Aluede, Fajoju, &Okhiku, 2009). Alcohol and tobacco are two of the most accessible drugs in Nigeria (unlike cocaine, heroin). Adolescents can obtain any of those drugs with minimum restriction.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE RESEARCH

Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse and substance use disorder, is a patterned use of a drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods which are harmful to themselves or others, and is a form of substance-related disorder. Widely differing definitions of drug abuse are used in public health, medical and criminal justice contexts.

The exact cause of substance abuse is not clear, with theories including: a genetic disposition; learned from others - or a habit which if addiction develops, manifests as a chronic debilitating disease.

Drugs most often associated with this term include: alcohol, substituted amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines (particularly alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam and clonazepam), cocaine, methaqualone, cannabis and opioids.

In many cases criminal or anti-social behavior occurs when the person is under the influence of a drug, and long term personality changes in individuals may occur as well. In addition to possible physical, social, and psychological harm, use of some drugs may also lead to criminal penalties, although these vary widely depending on the local jurisdiction.

Substance abuse is widespread with an estimated 120 million users of hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and other synthetic drugs. In 2013 drug use disorders resulted in 127,000 deaths up from 53,000 in 1990. The highest number of deaths are from opioid use disorders at 51,000. Cocaine use disorder resulted in 4,300 deaths and amphetamine use disorder resulted in 3,800 deaths. Alcohol use disorders resulted in an additional 139,000 deaths

1.2STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM 

As young people adolescent stage, they cannot abstain from alcohol beverages. With the drinking behaviour, they think they can relate to the adult world. An adolescent can say to himself ‘I am a man by drinking and smoking’.

Adolescents take drug to be more confident, not to be lonely, to cope with work or to overcome shyness and apprehension. A small quantity of certain drugs heightens effectiveness whereas a large in the youth drug abuse can be tension produced by the society.

Drug abuse and misuse is ramped in our society this days than before. Therefore, the research took this work upon herself, to highlight and the effects of this drug misuse and abuse.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The rationale for this research is to find out the reasons why many adolescents take to drug, what they derive from it and how the factors influence drug abuse habit in Karo behavioral center fact Abuja.

Once the factors are identified, this study will be useful to all the people in the helping profession and they will know how to handle the behavioral pattern properly. Among which are others:

1.The influence adolescents socioeconomic background has on substance abuse experience and effects

2.The effects of drug abuse and misuse among our youths 

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 

This study expose some of the factors influencing drug dependence amongst young persons in Karo behavioral center fact Abuja. Generally, the identified factors will provide basis for further studies in to the factors associated with drug abuse and misuse among our youths.

It is believed that this study will stimulate further research into abuse of drug (such as alcohol, stimulants, tobacco and other psychotropic drug or psychoactive or hallucinogenic drug) among the adolescents and adults of our society.

The government and other agencies of education will find this study useful in directing their efforts towards the identified factors with the view of controlling drug abuse and misuse. It will help guidance counselors to identify cases of drug abuse, the associated problem and treatment to be applied.

The outcomes of the study will assist parents, school authorities, counselors, psychologist, and the problems the awareness of problem resulting from drug abuse and its bad effects on the individuals, the family and the society.  

This study will also expose the characteristics of the adolescents and to explain the motives behind their behavioral patterns. It will also educate them on the effects of substance abuse. 

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