THE EFFECT OF DRUG ABUSE IN NIGERIAN SOCIETY: ADOLESCENT PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Drug abuse in Nigeria has been a serious problem. The consequences of drug abuse are not only on the individual user but also on his or her offspring, family and the society in general. Drugs are commonly used by everybody whether young or old. It is true that drugs are used for beneficent therapeutic purposes, effective substance for good health, but they are also being abused by people especially youths who prefer an autonomous and independent life that is free from adult control, there by engaging in various delinquent acts (drug abuse, kidnapping, assassin, rape, robbery, cultism and vandalism) that are dangerous to the home, community, school and the nation. The impact of drug abuse among the youths has been a stigma of moral decadence, violence, thugery, assault, madness and murder. The menace of drug abuse has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society. However, with effective counselling programmes, the problems can be tackled. Campaign against drug abuse by government and other relevant authorities Drug control counselling centres should be established in every community and qualified health counsellors should be employed in helping drug addicts by giving them special advice on how to go about the withdrawal system. Drug awareness units should be set up in all Local Governments of the federation to help solve their socio-psychological problem. This paper discusses the concept of drug abuse, types, theories of causes, effects, and strategies for counselling.