1.1 Introduction
Substance Use refers to the use of psychoactive substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, inhalants, and solvents to alter mood/behavior. Psychoactive substance use among young people is a global public health problem and a serious concern for mental health professionals especially when co-morbid with anxiety and depression. According to Smelzer et al., (2008) substance abuse is a maladaptive pattern of drug use that causes physical and emotional harm with the potential for disruption of daily life. From these definitions, it can be deduced that substance abuse is the misuse of one or more drugs which could be prescribed by a health practitioner with the intention to alter the way one feels, thinks or behaves and it is associated with consequences which include physical and emotional harm to the person. A significant number of untimely deaths and accidents have been linked to the activities of persons under the influence of one psychoactive drug or the other (Shelly, 2010).
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 technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Psychoactive substance use among young people is a huge public health concern globally, especially in a developing country with a notable increase (Odejide, 2006). Evidence had implicated substance use to be both directly, and indirectly responsible for 11.8 million deaths each year as well as accounting for one in every five death globally (Ritchie et al., Roser, 2019). Psychoactive Substance use and dependence cause a significant burden to the individuals and societies throughout the world. The World Health Report (2010) indicated that 8.9% of the total burden of disease comes from the use of psychoactive substances. The report showed that tobacco accounted for 4.1%, alcohol 4%, and illicit drugs 0.8% of the burden of disease in 2010. Much of the burden attributable to substance use and dependence is the result of a wide variety of health and social problems.
Data from the (World Health Organization, 2011) show large-scale seizures of cocaine, heroin, cannabis and amphetamine-type stimulants in different parts of the world. Availability of cocaine, heroin and cannabis depends on the level of cultivation in source countries and on the success or failure of trafficking organizations. However, even with increased levels of law enforcement activities, there always seems to be enough available to users. According to (UNODC, 2011) estimates show that about 200 million people make illicit use of one type of illicit substance or another.
Psychoactive substance use is a social problem that has spread and increased rapidly in educational institutions especially among secondary school students (Neeraja, 2011). This social problem is considered an issue of serious concern as it adversely affects the lives and performance of students involved as well as the harmonious functioning of the entire structure of the society. Use of psychoactive drugs and other associated problems are inimical to the survival and effective their performance put them in good mood etc. The accompanying problems of this act constitute a major threat to the wellbeing of the society (Ajala, 2009).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Psychoactive Substance use among Young People.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that despite the enormity of the problem in Nuv, systematic research has not been undertaken to clearly document the combined social, economic, health and psychological impact of substance abuse. Mental health problems such as depression, developmental lags, apathy, withdrawal, and other psychosocial dysfunctions frequently are linked to substance abuse among adolescents. Substance-abusing youth are at higher risk than nonusers for mental health problems, including depression; conduct problems, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, and suicide. However, even the limited available data indicate the association of substance abuse related problems with several spheres of life. Increasing youth involvement in substance use and abuse is a major threat to national development, family stability and social security from which they need to be protected (Antwi, Adjei, Asare & Twene, 2003).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Psychoactive Substance Use among Young People. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the prevalence and patterns of psychoactive substance use among young people in Nigeria;
- To find out the causes of psychoactive substance abuse among youths in Warri-South district on the basis of gender; and
- To find out the danger or consequences of psychoactive substance abuse among youths in Warri-South district on the basis of gender.
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 is the prevalence and patterns of psychoactive substance use among young people in Nigeria?
- What are the causes of psychoactive substance abuse among youths in Warri-South district on the basis of gender?
- What is the danger or consequences of psychoactive substance abuse among youths in Warri-South district on the basis of gender?
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.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There are no significant factors instigating the dangers of psychoactive substance abuse among young people in Warri-South district
- H1: There are significant factors instigating the dangers of psychoactive substance abuse among young people in Warri-South district
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome realized from the research findings will be significant to the following stakeholders:
- Educators will benefit from this knowledge by incorporating comprehensive substance abuse education into school curriculums, which will empower students with the information and skills needed to resist peer pressure and make healthier choices.
- Healthcare providers will be better equipped to identify and treat substance use disorders early, integrating mental health support and substance abuse treatment to improve outcomes for young patients.
- Parents and guardians will gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing their children's substance use, allowing them to create supportive home environments and engage in open, constructive conversations about the risks and consequences of substance abuse.
- Community organizations will be able to design and implement more effective prevention and intervention programs tailored to the specific needs of their local youth populations, ultimately fostering safer and healthier communities.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Psychoactive Substance use among Young People in Warri-South district of Delta State.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- 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).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Psychoactive Substances: These are chemical substances that, when taken into the body, alter brain function, resulting in changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior (World Health Organization, 2014).
Substance Use: The consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other psychoactive substances, which may lead to physical dependence, psychological dependence, or substance abuse disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Young People: This term typically refers to individuals aged between 10 and 24 years, encompassing adolescents (10-19 years) and young adults (20-24 years) (United Nations, 2019).
Peer Pressure: The influence exerted by a peer group on its individual members to adopt certain behaviors, attitudes, or values in order to be accepted and valued by the group (Santor et al., 2000).
Polydrug Use: The concurrent or sequential use of more than one substance, with the intention of enhancing or counteracting the effects of other substances (Degenhardt et al., 2004).
Mental Health Disorders: These are health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental health disorders are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work, or family activities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Prevention Programs: Strategies or initiatives aimed at preventing the initiation of substance use or reducing the risk of substance use among individuals, particularly targeted at vulnerable populations such as young people (Botvin et al., 2003).
Intervention Programs: Actions or programs designed to interrupt the progression of substance use or mitigate its effects, often involving treatment and rehabilitation services (Mason et al., 2014).
Socio-economic Factors: The social and economic experiences and realities that help shape an individual's or group's behavior, attitudes, and opportunities, including income, education, and employment (Hawkins et al., 1992).
Coping Mechanisms: Strategies or behaviors used to manage the internal and external demands of stressful situations. Effective coping mechanisms can help individuals deal with stress and reduce the likelihood of engaging in substance use (Compas et al., 2001).
Accessibility: The ease with which young people can obtain psychoactive substances, influenced by factors such as legal restrictions, availability in the community, and social norms (Johnston et al., 2020).
Protective Factors: Conditions or attributes in individuals, families, communities, or the larger society that mitigate or eliminate risk, thus promoting healthy development and well-being (Brook et al., 2006).
