Curbing the menace of drug abuse: A social learning and socio-cultural perspective of drug addiction among youth in Bauchi State

Abstract

This paper focused on curbing the menace of drug abuse among Youth. It discusses the concept of drug abuse, causes, effect, types and theories. The paper observed that peer group initiate youth in to drug abuse early in life and exposed them to deliberate drug consumption, smoking, drinking of any kind of substance abuse which have adverse effect on the individual, community and the Nation.The paper also discussed some drugs that are commonly abused by the youth which are mostly over the counter drug that are available and easily accessible. Two theories were adapted for the study the social learning theory and the socio-cultural theory of drug abuse and addiction, health implications of youth drug behaviour were also explored. The paper concluded that there should be serious concern, and worried that in the way youth are fast joining the drug wagon and gambling with their future for the pleasure of getting high,this, poses a threat to the health and safety of the family, their community and the country. The paper recommend that parent should give proper orientation to their children on the danger of drug also Ministry of Education in-collaboration with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should expand measures for sensitizing particularly youth on the adverse effects of drugs abuse, in addition community and religious organization should put concerted effort toward tackling the scourge of drug abuse and addiction so that to live a drug free society.