PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ESE_ODO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Substance abuse is a global problem that causes a considerable threat to the health of the individuals, social and economic status of families, societies and nations. The influence of drug abuse among Nigerian adolescents has been a feature of a morally bankrupt, corrupt and wasted generation and loss of our societal values and ideals. This study examined the perceived effects of drug abuse among secondary school students in Ese Odo Local Government Area Ondo State Nigeria. The study employed the use of descriptive survey research design. The sample consisted of 100 students who were selected using simple random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was a self-developed structured questionnaire titled “Perceived Effects of Drug Abuse Questionnaire (PEDAQ)”. Data collected were analyzed using percentages and frequency counts and cross tabulation. The results shows that perceived effect of drug abuse significantly influences academic performance (Calc. X2 (= 126.55 > Crit. X2 = 21.03, df = 12, P > 0.05), indiscipline (Calc. X2 = 106.06 > Crit. X2 = 21.03, df = 12, p> 0.05), poor learning interest (Calc. X2 = 143.40 > Crit. X2 = 21.03, df = 12, P > 0.05) and poor social behavior (Calc. X2 = 239.22 > Crit. X2 = 21.03, df = 12, p > 0.05) among secondary school students in Ese Odo Local Government Area . Based on the findings of this findings of this study the following recommendations were made that increasing sensitization and awareness campaigns on the dangers of drugs and substance abuse, strengthening and funding law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute those selling illicit drugs and substances