Factors Contributing To Drug Abuse And Alcoholism Among The Youths Aged 12 To 17 Years In Bwaise

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the factors responsible for drug abuse in Bwaise.

The main objective of the study was to find out the major types of drugs and alcohol

being abused by the youth in Bwaise,

The study used a descriptive research design to describe issues relating to factors

contributing to drug abuse and alcoholism among the youths. The study population

included the local people, community leaders and youths in the area. Simple random

sampling and purposive sampling procedures were used in the study to obtain a sample of

70 respondents from the study population. Data was collected from both primary and

secondary sources using questionnaires and interview guides. Data was analyzed

qualitatively in themes that reflect the study objectives.

The study found out that the major causes of drug abuse and alcoholism among the

youths were; idleness, culture, peer influence, mass media, examination pressure and

religion. These caused have attributed to effects like suicidal thoughts, mental illnesses,

depression, verbal abuses, loss of weight and appetite, prolonged illnesses, fights among

others. And among the drugs abused include Cannabis, tobacco, Opiates, Nicotine,

Cocaine, Marijuana among others.

The study therefore recommended that parents should provide enough parental guidance

to their children and also encouraging them to attend youth religious camps. The

government should also put strict laws regarding drug abuse and alcoholism especially to

the youths below 18 years as well as taking youths practicing drug abuse and alcoholism

to rehabilitation centres where they can receive counseling and guidance to reshape their

lives hence becoming responsible citizens of the nation. And lastly youths should stick to

God for he is the source guidance for mankind.