REVIEW ON DRUG ADDICTION AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES AMONG ADOLESCENCE

Abstract

Drug addiction is a global problematic concept facing mankind. Drug is any natural or artificial substance, other than food that by its chemical or physical nature alters structures or functions in the living organism.  Drugs could disrupt the original function of the brain and cause interruption in conversation and work performance and leads to destructive behavior. Drug addiction is a chronic problem that is difficult for addicts to overcome, which leads to problems and negative effects on the adolescence wellbeing, family, education, economical, and social aspects.  The following drugs were abused; Opium, Morphine, Heroin, Cocaine, Methylenedioxy-Methamphetamine (‘feel good drug’), Cannabis etc.  The abuse of these drugs leads to violence, depression, suicide, rape, illness etc.  The present study dealt on the causes of drug addiction and preventive measures among the adolescents, 200 selected samples of secondary school student from Ogbunike boys secondary school, Ogbunike (SS3) and Nawfia boys secondary school, Nawfia (SS2). These participants consist of 110 males and 90 females, age 15-17 years with mean age of 16.02 and standard deviation of .81. Survey questionnaire were used to collect data from participants.  Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze the data.  Result shows that 77% had participated in drug addiction reason being that they want to be fearless and feel good all the time.  Findings reveal that adolescents are joining drug intake, drinking and smoking away their future for the pleasure of getting high, hence, poses a threat to the health and safety of the age group, family, community and society. Recommended among others is that Ministry of Education and Culture in-partnership with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should improve arrangements for sensitizing adolescents on the adverse effects of drug  addiction.   Also teachers and parents should be provided with skills on how to handle adolescents with behavioural problems.