CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The use of drugs dates back into the pre-history of man. Such drugs were used to relieve pain or cure and control diseases (Curew and Dibal, 1999). Drugs as defined by the World Health Organization (1967) is any substance which taken by living organisms may modify the functions of living organism. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC, 1999), stated that situations of ill-health provide the compelling need for drugs that is in order to modify the functions of the body and restore it to life. However, the major issue with drugs is not in its use for curative purposes but in the abuse and misuse of these drugs especially when these drugs are psychoactive drugs.
The consumption level of hard drugs has risen sharply in Nigeria within the last two decades. Such drugs like heroine, cocaine, cannabis and even alcohol have in recent times become so easily accessible by individuals of much cancer is the high prevalence of the use of these drugs among adolescents. Adolescents use drugs for several reasons among which are, for experimentation, mere fun and excitement, peer pressure, to get over depression and other psychological problems, etc.
However, the use of these drugs among young people has so much effect on individuals, families and the society at large. The problems range from social, psychological, economical and even political problems. This is therefore a study on drug use and abuse in Gwarinpa District, Abuja.
1.2 Statement of Problems
The use of hard drugs including alcohol and cigarette is a major source of health and psychological problems among adults and young people in both developed and developing countries, including Nigeria. It is generally believed that most people who use these substances often begin at an early age and may continue throughout life.
Adolescent stage is usually viewed as a period of experimentation where young people seek to go beyond the protective shelter of adults thus involving in activities that are often detrimental to their health and well-being, such as the use of drugs. Despite hazards and other implications of drug use and use of these substances among young people is enormous, this study therefore seeks to find out the factors that contribute to this and proffer solution to address these issues.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The objective of this study is to examine in detail drug use and abuse in Gwarinpa District, Abuja. Specifically, the study sought;
i. To identify factors that contributes to the use of drugs in Gwarinpa District, Abuja.
ii. To identify the most commonly abused drugs in Gwarinpa District, Abuja.
iii. To find out whether Gwarinpa residents are aware of the health risk and other implications of drug use and abuse.
1.4 Research Questions
i. What are the factors that contribute to the use of drugs in Gwarinpa District, Abuja?
ii. What are the most commonly abused substances in Gwarinpa District, Abuja?
iii. Are the residents of Gwarinpa District aware of the health risk and implications of drug use?
1.5 Significance of the Study
It is expected that this study will make the following contributions to the advancement of drug use and abuse especially among young people. It will provide necessary information and create awareness on the extent of drug use among youths. This will help parents, teachers and indeed all stakeholders to plan intervention programmes that will help solve the problem of drug use in the society. It is also expected to educate students on the implications of drug use and thus prompt them to make informed decisions on drug use.
This study will also be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of the Study This study is limited to indigenes of Gwarinpa District in Abuja where a survey will be carried out.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
The researcher encountered some problems in the course of this study.
These problems includes:
1. Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
2. Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
There was also difficulty in eliciting information from the citizens on drug abuse.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Drug: drug is any substance (other than food that provides nutritional support) that, when inhaled, injected, smoked, consumed, absorbed via a patch on the skin, or dissolved under the tongue causes a temporary physiological (and often psychological) change in the body.
Abuse: Abuse is the improper usage or treatment of an entity, often to unfairly or improperly gain benefit
Drug Abuse: Compulsive, excessive, and self-damaging use of habit forming drugs or substances, leading to addiction or dependence, serious physiological injury (such as damage to kidneys, liver, heart) and/or psychological harm (such as dysfunctional behavior patterns, hallucinations, memory loss), or death.
