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Abstract
This study investigated the relationships among substance abuse, youth unemployment, and
community security in Edo South Senatorial District, Nigeria. The alarming prevalence of
substance abuse among youths aged 15–35 years, coupled with high youth unemployment and
rising insecurity, particularly cult-related violence, motivated the research. The primary
objective was to examine the interconnectedness of these three variables, with specific focus
on the perceived prevalence and patterns of substance abuse, the link between youth
unemployment and substance abuse, the influence of substance abuse on community security,
and its impact on youth political participation and civic engagement. The study adopted a
descriptive cross-sectional survey design. A sample of 300 youths was drawn through
purposive sampling across the seven Local Government Areas of Edo South Senatorial
District (Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Oredo, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwonde, Ovia North-East, and Ovia
South-West). Data were collected using a structured 4-point Likert scale questionnaire and
analyzed with descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) using SPSS. The study was
anchored on an integrated theoretical framework comprising Social Learning Theory, Stress-
Coping Model, and General Strain Theory. Findings revealed a very high perceived
prevalence of substance abuse, dominated by cannabis, tramadol, codeine syrups,
methamphetamine, and polydrug use, with initiation commonly occurring between ages 15
and 25. A strong bidirectional relationship was established between youth unemployment and
substance abuse, while substance abuse was found to significantly undermine community
security through increased cultism, robbery, and violence. It also negatively affected youth
political participation and civic engagement. The study concluded that these variables form
a vicious, self-reinforcing cycle. The study recommends integrated interventions focusing on
youth employment generation, substance abuse prevention and rehabilitation, strengthened
security measures, and enhanced civic education. These findings provide empirical evidence
for policymakers, security agencies, and stakeholders to develop targeted strategies for
breaking the cycle in Edo South Senatorial District and similar contexts in Nigeria
community security in Edo South Senatorial District, Nigeria. The alarming prevalence of
substance abuse among youths aged 15–35 years, coupled with high youth unemployment and
rising insecurity, particularly cult-related violence, motivated the research. The primary
objective was to examine the interconnectedness of these three variables, with specific focus
on the perceived prevalence and patterns of substance abuse, the link between youth
unemployment and substance abuse, the influence of substance abuse on community security,
and its impact on youth political participation and civic engagement. The study adopted a
descriptive cross-sectional survey design. A sample of 300 youths was drawn through
purposive sampling across the seven Local Government Areas of Edo South Senatorial
District (Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Oredo, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwonde, Ovia North-East, and Ovia
South-West). Data were collected using a structured 4-point Likert scale questionnaire and
analyzed with descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) using SPSS. The study was
anchored on an integrated theoretical framework comprising Social Learning Theory, Stress-
Coping Model, and General Strain Theory. Findings revealed a very high perceived
prevalence of substance abuse, dominated by cannabis, tramadol, codeine syrups,
methamphetamine, and polydrug use, with initiation commonly occurring between ages 15
and 25. A strong bidirectional relationship was established between youth unemployment and
substance abuse, while substance abuse was found to significantly undermine community
security through increased cultism, robbery, and violence. It also negatively affected youth
political participation and civic engagement. The study concluded that these variables form
a vicious, self-reinforcing cycle. The study recommends integrated interventions focusing on
youth employment generation, substance abuse prevention and rehabilitation, strengthened
security measures, and enhanced civic education. These findings provide empirical evidence
for policymakers, security agencies, and stakeholders to develop targeted strategies for
breaking the cycle in Edo South Senatorial District and similar contexts in Nigeria
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