EFFECT OF SUBSTANCES USE AND ABUSE ON THE SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN COUNCIL, BORNO STATE

ABSTRACT The study determined the Effect of Substances Use and Abuse on the Socioeconomic Development of Youth in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State. Four objectives were formulated to guide the study and four research questions were answered. A descriptive survey research design was adopted in the study. Stratified sampling technique was used in selecting one hundred and twenty (120) youths from the total population, who served as the population for this study. Questionnaire was the main instrument for this study, and was divided into two sections. Section ‘A’ comprised of demographic characteristics of the respondents, while Section ‘B’ is for the research questions. The data collected was analysed using frequency counts and percentages. Findings of the study revealed that marijuana has been found to affect socio-economic development of youths in the study area as it affect their ability to participate in community development, negatively impact their academic performance, lead to increased unemployment among youths and influenced the economic activities. Cocaine affect socio-economic development of youths in Maiduguri by leading to increased rates of crime, impacts family relationships and support systems for youths, affects financial stability and spending habits, and affects local businesses and economic growth. Heroine also has effect on the socio-economic development of youths in Maiduguri because its misuse contributes to a cycle of poverty among the young people, when addicted leads to a decrease in employment opportunities, and often leads to social isolation and withdrawal from community activities. Tramadol has also been found to affect the socio-economic development of youths in Maiduguri since its consumption affects interpersonal relationships within peer group negatively, and its abuse also leads to increased healthcare cost for families and communities. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made: Borno State Government should provide empowerment opportunities to the youth as it will help them to deviate from drugs abuse, awareness campaigns should be made on the effect of drugs abuse on the socio-economic development of youths, parents have their own role to play in making sure that their children are not taking part in drugs abuse, and school management can also provide adequate training and counseling to the youths on the risks associated with substances abuse.