SUBSTANCE ABUSE

This study examined Social Work Interventions for Substance Abuse by Youth, Their Effectiveness and Challenges in Ekosodin, Edo State, Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from youths and social workers through questionnaires and interviews. Findings revealed that peer pressure, unemployment, and family instability are key factors influencing youth substance abuse. Social work interventions such as counselling, rehabilitation, and community sensitization were identified, though their effectiveness was limited by inadequate funding, stigma, and lack of facilities. The study concludes that while social work interventions have a positive impact, stronger government support and community involvement are needed to enhance their effectiveness.

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

The broad objective of this study is to examine the risk of drug abuse among youth from disadvantaged families in Ekosodin community Ovial North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The specific objectives are to assess the prevalence and patterns of substance use, highlight the psychological stress and mental health experienced by drug abuser, highlight the effect of drug abuse on Academic and Social Well-being, and to find out the effect of drug abuse among youth on disadvantaged families in Ekosodin community Ovial North East Local Government Area of Edo State. A total of 300 structured questionnaires were distributed to respondents. Frequency andpercentage method was adopted in this study. The finding showed that there are prevalence and patterns of substance use. Most youth become drug abuser because substance use is a common issue among people in the community. And this substance in most cases are abuse because it is easy for individuals to access substances if they wish to. Drug abuser experience psychological stress and mental health this includes feeling overwhelmed finding it difficult to manage emotions, feel isolated or alone, frequently experience feelings of anxiety or panic attacks, and increased mental health problems and finding it difficult to participate in healthy social activities. Drug abuse prevents abuser from engaging in activities they once enjoyed, leading to feelings of hopelessness, it cannegatively impacts academic performance of youth, harms relationships with family and friends, and reduces motivation for school and future goals. Drug abuse make abuser’s family experiences more arguments and conflict because of their drug use, and can make it harder for abuser to communicate openly and honestly with their parents/guardians. The study recommend that Nigeria government should work toward reducing easy access of most drug which could be harmful to the health of youth, this can be done through making a certain policy.

This study aims to assess the prevalence and correlates of substance abuse among youths in Benin City Edo State Nigeria. A qualitative approach was applied in the thesis and content analysis was undertaken. five objectives were raised for the study. The population of the study comprised of youths residing in Oredo local government area. The data generated from the survey were analyzed by means of tables and percentages. The result of the analysis was tested at 0.05 (5%) level of significance. The findings of the study show that drug abuse negatively influences youth behaviour. The study recommend that parents should make deliberate effort to instill high moral standard and ensure they monitor the kind of friends their children hang out with in the community, as doing so will help reduce drug abuse behaviour among.