ASSESSMENT OF DRUG ABUSE ON YOUTHS A CASE STUDY OF MUBI NORTH LGA ADAMAWA STATE

This study assessed the prevalence, causes, effects, and control measures of drug abuse among youths in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. The objectives were to examine the extent of youth involvement in drug abuse, identify the most commonly abused substances, investigate the socio-economic and environmental factors contributing to the problem, evaluate its consequences on individuals and the community, and suggest preventive and rehabilitative strategies. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 200 respondents through structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and inferential statistics, including chi-square and correlation analysis. Findings revealed that both male and female youths, predominantly aged 15–35 years, are actively involved in drug abuse, with secondary school leavers and students constituting the largest groups. Cannabis (75%), cigarettes (70%), tramadol (60%), codeine syrup (50%), and alcohol (55%) were the most commonly abused substances, reflecting national trends of easy access to these drugs. Peer pressure (65%), unemployment (50%), poverty (47.5%), broken homes (45%), and lack of parental supervision (35%) were identified as leading causes. Drugs were reported as very easily accessible by 70% of respondents. The effects of drug abuse were severe and multifaceted, including increased crime rates (65%), school dropouts (60%), mental and physical health problems (55%), unemployment (50%), violence (47.5%), family conflicts (45%), and death (30%). A strong positive correlation was found between drug abuse and both school dropout (r = 0.62) and unemployment (r = 0.58). The majority (75%) rated drug abuse as a very serious community problem. Preventive measures suggested included education and awareness campaigns (70%), provision of employment opportunities (60%), community policing (50%), stronger drug laws (55%), parental guidance (50%), and religious engagement (45%). However, 60% of respondents indicated that no active preventive programs currently exist in the area. The study concludes that drug abuse in Mubi North is a critical and multidimensional issue driven by socio-economic hardship, peer influence, and environmental factors, with far-reaching consequences on youth development and community stability. It recommends multi-sectoral interventions involving families, schools, community leaders, religious institutions, government agencies, and NGOs, alongside the establishment of rehabilitation centers and mental health support services, to effectively curb the menace and foster a healthier, safer society.