THE INCIDENCE OF DRUG ABUSE OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE IN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Drug Abuse is becoming an increasing problem in Nigeria. This study sought to determine the prevalence of

drug abuse among students in a tertiary institution

Drug Abuse is becoming an increasing problem in Nigeria. This study sought to determine the prevalence of

drug abuse among students in a tertiary institution

Drug Abuse is becoming an increasing problem in Nigeria. This study sought to determine the prevalence of

drug abuse among students in a tertiary institution

This study is on the incidence of drug abuse or substance abuse among undergraduate in university. Drug Abuse is becoming an increasing problem in Nigeria. This study sought to determine the prevalence of  drug abuse among students in a tertiary institution. The total population for the study is 200 students of selected University. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made final year students, year four students, year three students and year two students were used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies

CHAPTER ONE

                                        INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Substance use is a major global public health issue (Owoaje and Bello 2010) In 2011, it was estimated that between 167 and 315 million people or 3.6%–6.9% of the adult population aged 15 years to 64 years have used an illicit substance in the preceding year (UNODC 2013). The global disease burden attributable to alcohol and illicit drugs is estimated at 5.4%, while 3.7% is attributable to tobacco use alone (WHO 2010). Of the illicit substances, the main drugs used are opiates in European and Asian countries and cocaine in South America and in Africa the preferred drug is cannabis (WHO 2004). Youths are a high risk group for the use of substances Makanjuola Et al (2014) Among the youth, substance use is a worldwide epidemic that can impact negatively on health, family, society, and educational and professional life Makanjuola Et al (2014). University study is a period when students experience independence and freedom from direct adult and family supervision, self-decision-making, and intense academic pressures, share living quarters with strangers, form new social groups, balance social engagements with academic and other life responsibilities, and may be exposed to normative values valued by the youth culture that differ from parental values (Steyl and Phillips 2011) These perceived norms motivate the youth to indulge in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and alcohol and drug use (Steyl and Phillips 2011). University students make the transition from the restricted life monitored by parents to a more self-directed life influenced by the university environment (Olley, 2008) Hence, the risk of substance use is increased in university environments Makanjuola Et al (2014). It appears that not only the use of drugs that create problems but rather their misuse. In other words the widespread use of drugs has not only turned our attention to the dynamics of drug use and its determinants but also made it necessary to weigh the impact of this process on social institutions and social charge in future generations. Drug abuse according to Laver (1978) simply means the improper use of drugs to the degree that the consequences are defined as detrimental to the user and or the society. The World Health Organization (WHO (2006) also defined drug abuse as a “state” of periodic or chronic intoxication, detrimental to the individual and to the society, produced by the repeated consumption of a drug (natural or synthetic). Drug abuse patterns include all aspect of drug usage by the youths ranging from how much, how often and what sort of drugs, where who, with, what circumstances and so on. The analysis of contemporary social problem has consistently proved more and more controversial because of the variables involve in their analysis, with the incidence of drug abuse, being of utmost concern to the abuser himself, his family, the government and the entire society in which he lives. This situation seems to have caused a lot of embarrassment to the government including most especially the damage done to the image of Nigerian abroad. Recent trends indicate that the use and abuse of substances have dramatically increased worldwide particularly in developing countries (Babalola 2013) Several studies have indicated that substance use is common among students and is becoming increasingly widespread in many African countries Makanjuola Et al (2014). Most countries in sub-Saharan Africa are experiencing rapid economic, social, and cultural transitions which have created favorable conditions for increased and socially disruptive substance use Tesfaye Et al (2014) African studies have indicated that tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, inhalants, tranquilizers, heroin, and cocaine are common in secondary schools and some higher educational institutions Atwoli Et al (2011) Both alcohol and tobacco are regarded as “gateway drugs” to other substances Makanjuola Et al (2014). Substance use has contributed to the increasing incidence of psychosocial problems among the youth Olfson Et al (2009) People with substance use disorder are more likely to die younger and are more likely to have a psychiatric disorder than people without substance use disorder Makanjuola Et al (2014). Although substance use is believed to be a growing problem in Sudan, there is no published data on the magnitude of substance use, particularly among university students, other than tobacco. The aim of this study is to assess the magnitude of substance use and circumstances and factors associated with substance use among university students.

PROBLEM

Drug abuse in Nigeria in the contemporary time has become one issue that cast a gloomy shadow to the entire Nigerian society especially among University undergraduates. The height of drug trafficking in Nigeria was witnessed in 1985 under the military regime. During this period, it was mostly the University undergraduates that were caught and the first to be executed for drug offences under the “special tribunal (Miscellaneous Offences) Degree No. 20 of 1984. However, the abuse of drugs is not only limited to the University undergraduates as alien phenomenon is to distort its significance. Nevertheless, the usage of drug either by University undergraduates or other members of the larger society in all its ramifications appears to be a social problem. This problem is widely spread and it affect all and sundry. In other words, this wide spread use and abuse entice people from all walks of life and beyond the human destruction caused by drug dependence is the damage to traditional values and lifestyles. Studies have also shown that drug abuse wrecks individual, shatter families and weakens entire society with its burden of economic looses, health cost and increased lawlessness and crime. Also, drugs seem to undermine the ability of University undergraduates to learn. Drug also appears to contradict our values of physical wellbeing. People experiment with drugs because they seem to hold the promise of fulfillment. But the fulfillment is generally elusive, greater and greater quantities are consumed and ultimately the person suffers both physical and psychological deterioration. The drug abuser also experience problems of interaction and this interactional problem is encountered both inside his immediate family and stress invariably is created in the family situation of drug abuse (Hoffman, 1990) To add to this, drug abuse may entail a lot of social problems ranging from lateness to lectures, family neglect, deviance behaviours, involvement in crime etc (Earl 2000). In terms of economic cost, it includes the more money required to deal with the undesirable effects of the drug abuse, the less money for services and programmes that enhances the quality of life (Earl 2000). One of the factors militating against the eradication of drug abuse among our University undergraduates is that our security agencies, such as the police force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies among others have not done enough to check this scourge. Another factor militating against the eradication of drug abuse among Nigerian University undergraduates is the problem of corruption among the men and officials of these fore mentioned agencies. To this end and judging from the problems outlined earlier, this research aims at ascertaining the effect of drug abuse among University undergraduates in Nigeria using the University of Calabar, Cross River State as a study area.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY 

The objectives of the study are;

1. To determine the effect of drugs abused by undergraduates in Nigeria
2. To ascertain the effect of drug or substance abused on student academic performance in Nigeria University.
3. To examine if there is any significant relationship between drug abuse and student academic performance
4. To explore ways of eradicating the menace of drug abuse on our institutions

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION

The following research questions were formulated by the researcher to aid the completion of the study

1. i) Is there any effect of drug or substance abused on student academic performance in Nigeria University?
2. ii) Is there any significant relationship between drug abuse and student academic performance?

iii) Are they possible ways of eradicating substance abuse among undergraduate university student?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;

H₀:  there is no effect of drugs abused by undergraduates in Nigeria

H₁:  there is effect of drugs abused by undergraduates in Nigeria

H₀²: there is no significant relationship between drug abuse and student academic performance

H₂: there is a significant relationship between drug abuse and student academic performance

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STDUY

It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will be of importance to school counselors as the findings will help in curtailing the menace of substance abuse. The results of the study will help in creating awareness in the society on the effects of drug abuse on the health of  the University undergraduates. It will make the youths to realize that excessive or even small intake of this item (drugs) has inhibitory effects on their brain. The result of this of this study will be used in making the consumers to have a second thought before partaking in the act. The study will also help young researchers or writers to solve some problems of drug abuse, thereby ensuring good health of the University undergraduates or youths in general and social harmony in the society. Finally, all the social ills in the society as a result of the effects of drug abuse among the University undergraduates in Nigeria will be drastically minimized.

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study covers the incidence of drug or substance abuse among University undergraduate in Nigeria. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

1. a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
2. b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
3. c) Organizational privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities.

 1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Drug: A drug is a chemical substance capable of altering the physical and psychological function of the body.

Abuse: This means the misuse of something. It can also be described as the illegal use of something.

Drug Abuse: This is the misuse of drugs. It could be defined as the illegal use of substance which interferes with the human behavior.

Effects: This could be defined as consequences. It is also the power to produce result.

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study

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