SUBSTANCE ABUSE: IT’S EFFECTS AMONGST THE YOUTH IN EKOSOSDIN COMMUNITY OVIA NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE

This study examined Substance Abuse: Its Effects Amongst the Youth in Ekosodin Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State. The survey research design was adopted for this study because data were collected from a sample population with specific characteristics. Five research questions were formulated and answered using simple percentage analysis. The population of the study comprised youths residing in Ekosodin Community, and from this population, a total of 100 respondents were selected as the sample using a random sampling technique. The instrument used to collect data for the study was a twenty-five-item self-structured questionnaire. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that substance abuse has significant negative effects on the physical health, academic performance, social behavior, and psychological well-being of youths in Ekosodin Community. The study revealed that peer pressure, unemployment, family instability, and easy access to drugs are major factors contributing to substance abuse among youths. Furthermore, the findings indicated that substance abuse leads to increased crime rates, school dropouts, health complications, and social disintegration within the community. The implications of the study highlight the need for urgent intervention through public awareness campaigns, youth empowerment programmes, and stronger law enforcement against drug trafficking and abuse. It was also emphasized that schools, parents, and community leaders have a crucial role to play in sensitizing and monitoring the youth. The study recommends that government and non- governmental organizations should intensify efforts in establishing rehabilitation centres, promoting skill acquisition programmes, and creating job opportunities for youths. Additionally, there should be continuous community-based education on the dangers of substance abuse, strict enforcement of drug control laws, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to curb the menace and promote the overall well-being of the youths in Ekosodin Community