1.1 Introduction
Drug abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications, and illicit drugs, which negatively affects an individual's physical, psychological, and social wellbeing (World Health Organization, 2018). Among secondary school students, drug abuse is particularly concerning because this stage of life represents a critical period of growth, identity formation, and academic development. Globally, drug abuse among adolescents has emerged as a significant public health and educational challenge. Reports indicate that a substantial number of young people initiate substance use during their secondary school years, often influenced by peer groups, family background, community environment, and media exposure (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2020).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Drug abuse has become a global social and public health concern, particularly among adolescents who are at a formative stage of life. According to the World Health Organization (2018), drug abuse involves the inappropriate use of substances that alter mental and physical functioning and pose serious risks to health and social wellbeing. Secondary school students fall within an age group that is highly vulnerable to experimentation due to curiosity, peer influence, and the desire for social acceptance. This vulnerability has drawn the attention of researchers, educators, parents, and policymakers to the growing incidence of drug abuse within the school environment.
Several scholars have examined the factors contributing to drug abuse among adolescents. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2020) reported that peer pressure, availability of drugs, and socio-economic challenges are major drivers of substance use among young people worldwide. In a similar view, Adegoke (2019) asserted that weak parental supervision and unstable family structures significantly increase the likelihood of secondary school students engaging in drug abuse. The school environment itself also plays a role, as overcrowded classrooms, poor student–teacher relationships, and lack of guidance and counseling services reduce students' access to positive support systems.
The effects of drug abuse on secondary school students are extensive and damaging. National Institute on Drug Abuse (2022) stated that students who abuse drugs often experience declining academic performance, impaired concentration, and increased absenteeism, which negatively affect their educational outcomes. Beyond academics, drug abuse contributes to behavioral problems such as aggression, truancy, and involvement in delinquent activities. These behaviors disrupt school discipline and create an unsafe learning environment for other students. On the health dimension, prolonged drug abuse is associated with mental health disorders, physical illness, and a higher risk of dependency at an early age.
In the Nigerian context, the problem of drug abuse among secondary school students has assumed alarming proportions. Studies conducted in different parts of the country affirmed that substances such as alcohol, cannabis, tramadol, codeine-based syrups, and tobacco are commonly abused by students (Oshodi, Aina, & Onajole, 2019). The increasing accessibility of these substances, coupled with inadequate enforcement of drug control laws, has worsened the situation. Educators and parents continue to express concern over the negative influence of drug abuse on students' moral values, academic aspirations, and future productivity.
Furthermore, scholars contend that the long-term consequences of adolescent drug abuse extend beyond the individual to the wider society. According to Obot and Ibanga (2017), early involvement in drug abuse is linked to unemployment, criminal behavior, and reduced human capital development in adulthood. This study is set against the backdrop of the increasing prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students and the growing concern over its educational, health, and social consequences.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that drug abuse among secondary school students is an increasingly disturbing issue that is affecting the educational system, family stability, and societal development at large. In recent years, there is growing concern that many adolescents are exposed to the use and misuse of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, and illicit substances at an early stage of life.
On the other hand, the effects of drug abuse among secondary school students are far-reaching and deeply troubling. Drug abuse is associated with poor academic performance, increased absenteeism, school dropout, and declining interest in learning. It also affects students' mental and physical health, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, aggression, and other behavioral problems.
Furthermore, some students who engage in drug abuse become involved in delinquent activities, experience strained relationships with peers and family members, and face a higher risk of addiction later in life, which threatens their future productivity and contribution to society (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the causes of drug abuse and its effects among secondary school students.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to investigate the causes of drug abuse and its effects on students' academic performance and behavior. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the role of peer pressure, family influence, and school environment in encouraging drug use.
- To identify the main causes of drug abuse among secondary school students.
- To examine the effects of drug abuse on students' academic performance and behavior.
- To assess the effectiveness of existing school policies and guidance programs in curbing drug abuse.
- To provide recommendations for interventions that will minimize drug abuse among students.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the main causes of drug abuse among secondary school students?
- How does drug abuse affect the academic performance and behavior of students?
- To what extent do peer pressure, family influence, and school environment contribute to drug abuse?
- How effective are current school policies and guidance programs in preventing drug abuse?
- What measures can be implemented to reduce drug abuse among secondary school students?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0: There is no significant relationship between peer pressure, family influence, school environment, and the prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between peer pressure, family influence, school environment, and the prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will serve as a useful resource for school authorities by identifying factors that contribute to substance abuse, enabling them to develop effective strategies and counseling programs to prevent students from engaging in drug-related behaviors. This study will also assist parents and guardians in recognizing early warning signs of drug abuse and understanding the environmental and social influences that predispose their children to substance use.
Furthermore, the research will benefit government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and health practitioners by providing evidence-based information that will inform policies, awareness campaigns, and intervention programs aimed at reducing drug abuse among students. In addition, schools and communities will be better equipped to create supportive environments that foster academic achievement, healthy social interactions, and positive moral development.
Lastly, the study will contribute to the academic body of knowledge on adolescent drug abuse and its consequences, offering a foundation for further research in this area. The findings will be relevant for scholars, students, and researchers who wish to explore innovative solutions to combat substance abuse in secondary schools.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the causes and effects of drug abuse within public and private secondary schools in Lagos State, Nigeria, including the influence of peers, family, school environment, and existing guidance programs.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
The study was limited by the reluctance of some students to provide accurate responses, which affected data collection. It was also restricted by insufficient prior research in the local context, which made comparative analysis challenging.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Drug Abuse: Drug abuse is the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications, and illicit drugs, that negatively affect an individual's health, social life, and academic performance (WHO, 2018).
Secondary School Students: Individuals enrolled in the junior and senior levels of secondary education, typically aged 11–18 years, who are undergoing formal academic training (Oshodi et al., 2019).
Peer Pressure: The influence exerted by peers on an individual to conform to group norms, including engagement in risky behaviors such as drug use (UNODC, 2020).
Guidance and Counseling: Organized school-based programs that aim to provide students with psychological support, career advice, and behavioral guidance to promote personal and academic development (Adegoke, 2019).
Substance Use: The consumption of psychoactive substances, which may be legal or illegal, for recreational or habitual purposes (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022).
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