AN EXAMINATION OF HEALTH ASSOCAITED RISK WITH EXCESSIVE DRUG USE AMONGST YOUTH

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Since prehistoric times, the utilisation of natural mind-altering substances has been documented. Fermented spirits and a variety of botanical products have been utilised by individuals for generations as a means of supplementing or evading the challenges of existence, whether tangible or conceptual (Vanguard, 2016). Nevertheless, the prevalence of substance and drug abuse is increasing, giving rise to societal apprehension. This is the result of numerous economic and social factors. In part due to the expansion of the global population, the number of individuals abusing narcotics increased by 22% from 2010 to 2019. Present projections, predicated exclusively on demographic patterns, indicate that the global prevalence of drug use will escalate by 11% by 2030. Africa, in particular, is anticipated to experience a 40% surge in this regard, owing to the region's rapid proliferation of young people. There are an estimated 11 million individuals who engage in substance injection worldwide; of these, half are infected with Hepatitis C, and one in every eight has HIV. Opioids continue to be the primary cause of ailment associated with substance abuse. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. As reported by the UNODC (2019), the number of drug-related fatalities on a global scale amounted to 585,000 in 2017. 

Curiosity and peer pressure are the leading contributors to substance addiction. In contrast to other regions globally, where substance abuse is predominantly ascribed to familial factors including parental conduct, family dynamics, domestic ambiance, and socioeconomic status, Nigeria exhibits a distinct pattern. Particularly among adolescents, the social pressure to appear accepted and to be a part of a social group influences them to begin experimenting with substances in order to conform to their peers. (Tam, D., 2010). 

The prevalence of substance abuse among professional populations is concurrently contributing to an upward trend in the utilisation of drugs as a means of managing stress. Substances that are frequently abused include opiates, cannabis, and amphetamine-based stimulants like Adderall, which is prescribed to individuals who have been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. (September 2017; Monash University Malaysia). 

Substance abuse is an international issue. It has an impact on every sector of society in every nation. It has a significant impact on the development and freedom of young people, who are the most valuable asset of the globe. As stated by UNODC in 2002. The severity and attributes of this issue differ across different regions and countries. There has been an unprecedented surge in substance abuse among the general population in recent years. The majority of the 180 million individuals who abuse drugs worldwide, according to the World Drug Report, are adolescents. According to Lakhampal and Agnihotri (2007),... The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ministry of Education implemented preventive education in schools as a response to the issue. Aspects of anti-drug and alcohol addiction knowledge have been integrated into the school curriculum by the ministry. 

Substance addiction is the principal cause of incarceration for a great number of individuals, in addition to being a source of crime and health issues in contemporary Nigeria. Inmateship in correctional facilities throughout the nation has significantly escalated in recent decades, with a particular emphasis on juveniles. A significant proportion of these young individuals have been apprehended for drug-related offences or suffer from a substance abuse disorder. Since the establishment of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in 1999, however, there has been a significant surge in the collection of pertinent data on drugs via an assortment of drug indicators in order to inform policy development. The influence of these agencies is immense with regard to intervention strategies and control. Sort, J.W. (1994). 

Substance addiction has been a pervasive issue among the youth and society at large in Enugu, Nsukka. Substance abuse has repercussions that extend beyond the addicted individual, affecting his or her family, community, and future generations. Drugs are widely utilised by individuals of all ages. It is time for drugs to be utilised for beneficial therapeutic purposes and as effective health substances; however, they are being exploited by individuals, particularly young people. (Anon Dorado, 1999). The consequences of substance abuse have been deemed immoral. Adolescents who abuse drugs have developed a gruff exterior and brought disgrace to society. Youths in Nigeria are engaging in the illicit, unlawful, and intentional use of drugs. A significant proportion of the adolescent population in Nigeria is either unwittingly or knowingly dependent on drugs for their daily needs. As a result, substance abuse has emerged as a significant societal concern. Recent years have witnessed an alarming and troubling increase in the rate of substance abuse among Nigerian youth; as a result, considerable effort has been devoted to its eradication. An increasing number of young people are abusing narcotics, which undermines efforts to eradicate the problem. Drug addiction and abuse have catastrophic and detrimental effects, yet young people continue to use illicit substances. As stated by Barber in 1967. 

Substance addiction has emerged as a significant issue that impacts all individuals in Lagos State. Addiction propels numerous individuals, including youthful and influential individuals, into a perilous downward spiral of despair that can be fatal at times. Adolescents who sniff adhesive and use ecstasy extend to those who are severe addicts of heroin and cocaine (Nacada, 2005). 

Preceding the colonial era, substance abuse in the Kabong community of Plateau State is evident. The prevailing belief is that substance abuse is justified on the grounds of intoxication, motivation, and social and physical performance. Others hold the view that it bestows upon them marvellous concepts and ideas. Others have referred to it as the "oil of conversation," which signifies that ingesting it empowers one to converse intelligently, rationally, and meaningfully (Swaggart, 1984). In the familial environment of the Kabong community in the Jos South Local Government Area, there appears to be an upward trend in the prevalence of substance abuse. An observation reveals that this practice of drug abuse is prevalent among both sexes; however, for sociocultural reasons, the majority of female drug abusers do not overtly engage in this behaviour. Undoubtedly, drug abuse constitutes a significant social issue confronted entirely by the youth residing in the Kabong community of Jos South. It not only contributes substantially to the overall problem but also presents social welfare agencies with health and marital concerns. Drug abuse has emerged as a trans-cultural phenomenon within the community, as evidenced by its prevalence in the majority of Plateau State communities (Silverstein, 1990). 

Substance abuse causes financial losses, property damage within educational institutions, escalated healthcare expenses, and fractured families. Parents, students, teachers, government officials, taxpayers, and employees are all impacted by this issue. Substance abuse and its related issues pose a significant risk to the viability and efficient operation of human societies; addicts' behaviours and addiction itself result in the loss of life on a daily basis. A considerable proportion of fatalities resulting from violent crimes and accidents have been ascribed to the actions of individuals impaired by narcotics (Falope, 1991).Treatment facilities within the state are progressively experiencing an excessive influx of cases and issues related to drugs. It is crucial to address the issue of drug abuse among the state's youth, as they represent the state's future (Ogunleye, 1990). In response to the increasing prevalence of drug abuse among young people, the Kaduna State Ministry of Local Government Affairs, in collaboration with the Bureau for Drug Abuse Preventive and Treatment, has educated relevant parties in Kaduna regarding this pervasive problem with the aim of mitigating its societal repercussions. High-risk demographics consist of adolescents and juveniles, with females also becoming involved. Performers, chauffeurs, conductors, and public servants are additional categories of abusers.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The worldwide problem of drug consumption has indeed emerged as a pervasive global phenomenon. Of particular concern is the alarming rate at which the Nigerian population is engaging in this deleterious behaviour, posing a substantial threat to the fabric of our society as a whole. This phenomenon can be attributed to the extensive array of psychological and social adverse effects and consequences that are linked to this particular event. According to the research conducted by Oshikoya and Alli (2016), it has been discovered that opioids remain the primary cause of harm, contributing to a staggering two-thirds of drug-related deaths. Furthermore, individuals who engage in drug injection, with an estimated global population of 11 million in 2017, are confronted with the most significant health risks. It is noteworthy that a majority, specifically more than fifty percent, of the aforementioned individuals are afflicted with the hepatitis C virus. Additionally, a significant proportion, approximately one in every eight, is burdened with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). As per the research conducted by Usman in 2015, it has been observed that there is an escalating trend in the occurrence of drug dependency among the Nigerian population. This can be attributed to a significant shift in the drug landscape of the nation. Previously, Nigeria primarily served as a transit point for drug trafficking. However, presently, there has been an emergence of local drug production and subsequent availability for consumption. 

It is worth noting that within the Nigerian youth population, there appears to be a noticeable trend towards the use of prescription medications, namely codeine, tramadol, and benzodiazepines, as suggested by the available evidence. In the study conducted by Amadi and Akpelu (2018) It has been noted that the Non-medical utilisation of prescription opioids, including tramadol and codeine-containing cough syrup, holds the position of the second most extensively consumed substance in Nigeria, following cannabis, as reported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC, 2018). Previous scholarly investigations have similarly discovered that the affliction of drug addiction exerts a notable impact on an individual's proclivity to partake in criminal activities. Dowshen (2018), in a notable study, provided empirical evidence that establishes a strong correlation between drug use and various detrimental consequences, such as family breakdowns, instances of violence and destruction, child abuse, sexual abuse, wife abuse, disrespect, and a pervasive erosion of law and order within both familial and societal contexts. 

It has been observed that a considerable amount of fatalities resulting from accidents and acts of violence can be attributed to the actions of individuals who are under the influence of drugs (Falope, 1991). As a result of the heightened prevalence of drug utilisation among the younger generation, there arises a consequential decline and devastation of the nervous system, heart, kidneys, and lungs of said individuals. The researcher was motivated to undertake a study on the health hazards associated with excessive drug use among the youth.

1.3 Objectives Of The Study

The main objective is to investigate on an examination of health associated risk with excessive drug use amongst youth. while the specific objectives are as follows;

Ascertain the prevalence of excessive drug use amongst youth in Nigeria

Find out the causes of excessive drug use amongst youth in Nigeria.

Identify the health implications of excessive drug use amongst youth in Nigeria.

Proffer possible solutions of  drug abuse.

1.4 Research Questions

What is the prevalence of excessive drug use amongst youth in Nigeria?

What are the causes of excessive drug use amongst youth in Nigeria?

What are the health implications of excessive drug use amongst youth in Nigeria.?

What are possible solutions of  drug abuse?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ho: There are no health associated risk with excessive drug use amongst youth

Ha: There are health associated risk with excessive drug use amongst youth

1.5 Significance of the study

Empirically, this study is significant in the sense that it will serve as an appraisal of the rate at which Nigerian are abusing drugs and substances. The findings of this study and the recommendations raised will go a long way to benefit a number of stakeholders in the area. First, it will assist policy-makers to formulate effective government laws to mitigate those social factors identified as responsible for excessive drug use amongst youth in Nigeria. The study will also be relevant to the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in their policy engagement and advocacy, especially in the area of advocacy and engagement of youth against drug use and abuse. 

Theoretically, it is significant in the sense that it will add to the body of knowledge in sociology and psychology both in Nigeria and other countries of the world. The study would help give a better understanding of the kind of drugs and substances abused by youth in Nigeria.

Academically, the research will add to the body of knowledge and existing literature on drug abuse and impact of youth involvement in  insurgent activities. The study will also serve as a reference material to scholars and students who wishes to conduct further studies in related field.

1.6 Scope of the study

The scope of this study border on health associated risk with excessive drug use amongst youth. However the study will be delimited to Ikeja, Lagos State.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint was the scanty literature on the subject owing to the nature of the discourse thus the researcher incurred more financial expenses and much time was required in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. Additionally, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. More so, the choice of the sample size was limited  as youth in Lagos  State  were selected to answer the research instrument hence cannot be generalize to other  Local Government outside that region. However, despite the constraint  encountered during the  research, all factors were downplayed in other to give the best and make the research successful.

1.8 Definition of terms

Excessive Drug Use/Drug abuse: Drug abuse  refers to the use of certain chemicals and  psychoactive substances for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain.

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