Abstract
This study was on managing of substance abuse among students of tertiary institutions in Katsina state. Five objectives were raised which included: To identify the various drugs/substances usually abused by students in universities in Nigeria, to examine the determinants of drug/substance abuse among students in tertiary institution in Katsina, to determine the behavioural patterns of students in tertiary institution in Katsina state under drug/substance abuse, establish the consequences of drug/substance abuse among students in tertiary institution in Katsina and to find out the ways of managing substance abuse among students of tertiary institution in Katsina state. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected tertiary institution in Katsina state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Chapter one
Introduction
1.1Background of the study
Drugs (substances) are intended to replenish rather than deplete, to heal rather than kill, and to build rather than destroy. They are drugs that can alter perceptions, cognition, mood, behavior, and general bodily functions while also changing an individual’s biological function through their chemical effects (Balogun, 2006; and Okoye, as cited in Fareo, 2012). Pharmacologists claim that a chemical can be used to treat, prevent, cure, or diagnose disease, as well as to improve physical and mental health (Obiechina & Isiguzo, 2016).
However, recent unrest in the nation highlights the reality that most medications have been repeatedly abused and misused due to incorrect and inappropriate application, creating a national or even international threat. Akanbi, Godwin, Theophilus, Muritala, and Ajiboye (2015) claim that drug abuse now known as drug/substance use disorder has evolved into a dangerous and unsettling worldwide problem with repercussions for both the peace of the world and Nigeria on many different levels. It is one of the most powerful driving forces behind the severe anti-social, economic, health, and political issues the globe is currently experiencing. In addition to problems with self-inflicted manifestations including accidents, withdrawal syndrome, dependence, depression, violence, poor scholastic performance, and armed robbery, it accounts for the bulk of criminal acts such as murder, kidnapping, rape, cultism, banditry, suicide, and failure
According to the American Psychiatric Association and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), drug abuse is the application of illegal and non-medical drug use. Drug abuse is defined as the use of drugs that is considered inappropriate, undesirable, harmful, threatening, worrisome, and culturally foreign by social norms and values. It deviates from a proper, authorized, or lawful usage of medicines. It includes everything that pertains to non-medical substance use by people with the conscious or unconscious intent to alter one or more of their natural functions and, as a result, impair the person’s capacity to perform effectively and normally within the boundaries of reasonable social, physical, emotional, or psychological expectations. Moreover, literature point out that some drugs/substances commonly abused by students include tobacco, alcohol, stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, cannabis, Indian hemp, amphetamine, tramadol, codeine, volatile solvents like glue, chloroform, correction fluid, psychotropic medicines such as sedatives, anxiolytics, hypnotics, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, vasodilator, anesthetic, gases manpower, paraga, sepe, opaeyin, etc, (Adeyeye, 2018; Imam, 2004; Obiechina & Isiguzo, 2016; and UNODC, 2018). Indeed, drug/substance abuse has a ravaging effect on the lives of many Nigerian youths and students, ruins families and leads to the devastation of communities. Based on this background the researcher wants to investigate management of substance abuse among students of tertiary institution in Katsina state
Statement of the Problem
In fact, one of the most concerning trends relating to mental health, emotional distress, and physical health in Nigeria and other countries is the overuse and abuse of drugs and substances by students (NDLEA, as cited in Fareo, 2012). Additionally, according to NAFDAC (2018), the use of illicit drugs is forming a subculture among Nigerian students, which is causing many of them to struggle with their mental health and a variety of other physical, emotional, and psychological issues like insanity, poor academic performance, loss of focus and concentration, and a high rate of school dropouts.
Purpose of the Study
The main purpose of this study was to assess management of subtance abuse among students of tertiary institutions in Katsina state. Specifically, this study aim include:
- To identify the various drugs/substances usually abused by students in universities in Nigeria
- To examine the determinants of drug/substance abuse among students in tertiary institution in Katsina
- To determine the behavioural patterns of students in tertiary institution in Katsina state under drug/substance abuse
- Establish the consequences of drug/substance abuse among students in tertiary institution in Katsina
- To find out the ways of managing substance abuse among students of tertiary institution in Katsina state
Research Hypotheses
The following hypotheses were tested in the course of this study:
H1: there are no various drugs/substances usually abused by students in universities in Nigeria
H2: there are no ways of managing substance abuse among students of tertiary institution in Katsina state
Significance of the study
The findings of the study will be useful to the Community, Institutions of learning and higher institution. The study would reveal the influence of drugs on students’ academic performance and in their behavioural aspects. There are many parents and teachers with questions as to why their students don’t perform as expected; the government is also looking for explanations as to why the youth are dropping out of school.
Thus, this study would play an important role in reducing, or even preventing high rates of drug use and abuse. Based on the findings, recommendations will be made. If followed, these recommendations would be useful to administrators and local government in curbing drug abuse in schools by improving existing educational programmes, and striving to develop ones that are even more efficient.
Apart from proposing more effective preventive measures in relation to drug abuse, the study will also provide a background for other studies in its prevention. This would help in promoting a drug-free school environment and better academic performance, thus improving the standards of education in the county. In the absence of specific policies on substance abuse in schools this study will make important recommendations on the way forward.
Scope of the study
This study covers the managing of substance abuse among of tertiary institution in Katsina state
Operational Definition of Terms
- Alcohol abuse: A pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work.
- Academic Performance: The extent to which a student has achieved his or her educational goals.
- Drug: Any product other than food or water that affects the way people feel, think, see, and behave. It is a substance that due to its chemical nature affects physical, mental and emotional functioning.
- Drug abuse: The use of drugs for purposes other than medical reasons, thus affecting the individual in a negative way socially, cognitively or physically.
- Influence: the power to change or affect someone, the power to cause changes without directly forcing them to happen.
- Marijuana Abuse: Preparation of the cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug.
Orientation: a person’s basic attitude, beliefs, or feelings in relation to a particular subject or issue.
This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research
MANAGEMENT OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
Project 4Topics Support Team Are Always (24/7) Online To Help You With Your Project
Chat Us on WhatsApp » 09132600555
DO YOU NEED CLARIFICATION? CALL OUR HELP DESK:
09132600555 (Country Code: +234)
YOU CAN REACH OUR SUPPORT TEAM VIA MAIL: [email protected]
09132600555 (Country Code: +234)