ABSTRACT

This work assessed drug and substance abuse by youths in Obowo Local Government Area, of Imo State. Parents' interview were used to elicit information on their general knowledge of drug abuse by youths while youth questionnaire Was used to elicit in h)rivat ion oii the prohleiiis, sources, effects, ad reasons for yo it lis d rug and 'substance abi ise. ( opies oF youths quest ioi ma ire were administered to six hundred and thirty (630) subjects randomly selected froii the tell (10) villages in Obowo. Seventy (70) parents were interviewed in ten (10) villages in Ohowo. Percentages Were used to analyze the data collected. The results showed that: More males than fmalcs abuse drugs and substances. E)evelopment (age), families, social and personal factors are the major factors that influence youths' drug and substance abuse. The major reasons for youths' drug and substance abuse are to relax and sleep, to avoid pains, to forget worries, to stay awake and alert, to feel brave, for high sensational feelings, and to overcome boredom. There are negative relationships between the effects and problems of drug and substance abuse by youths with regard to their background cli a rac ten sties. Based on the flndings, the researcher made some recommendations and suggestions on how to reduce drug and substances abuse by Nigerian youths in rural areas. Suggestions were made regarding areas of fl.irther studies.