A Reflection on the Challenges of Drug and Substance Abuse Among Youths a Case Study of Batta Sub-County in Dokolo District
Year: 2017
Author: Apiro Immaculate
Supervisor: Emmanuel Mutyaba Musoke
Abstract
The study was intended to reflect on the challenges of drug and substance abuse among youths.
he study was conducted at Batta sub county in Dokolo district and it was guided by the following objectives; to establish the causes of drug and substance abuse among youths in Batta sub county Dokolo District; to reflect on the problems caused by drug and substance abuse among youth and to suggest remedies to respond to drug and substance abuse among youths in Batta sub county.
The study was conducted using a case study design and data was collected using self administered questionnaires and interviews from a sample of 50 respondents who included youths, parents and local council officials
The researcher discovered that the commonly abused drugs and substances by youths include alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and opium of which alcohol and marijuana are the most commonly abused substances. It was found out that drug and substance abuse among youth in Batta Sub County is as a result of negative peer influences, idleness of youths, weak policies, family influence and easy access to drugs and substances. The study established the challenges of drug abuse in Batta Sub County and among them included increased unemployment rates, health problems, dropping out of school and increased crime rates. The study also revealed the strategies taken to curb drug and substance and among them include guiding and counseling youths, arresting drug abusers, establishing school facilities to accommodate pupils and students and establishing employment projects to actively involve the youth in income generating activities.
The researcher concluded that the biggest percentage of youth in Batta Sub County is drug and substance abusers.
The researcher recommended that all stake holders; parents youths, government, NGOs should collaborate to introduce and boost strategies of involving the youths in other activities than getting involved in drug and substance abuse.
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