The Menace of Drug Abuse among Teenagers a Ticking Time Bomb in Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria has a sizable, young, and vulnerable population, making it a prime market for the illegal drug trade. Secondary school students make up this young population. Nigeria is developing into a significant producer of illicit drugs and a major transshipment hub in the global drug trade, in addition to the threat of rising adolescent and child drug use. The transition from childhood to adolescence is a delicate time, and drug misuse may start there frequently. Teenagers may abuse drugs for several reasons, including lack of information about the risks, displaying personal independence, peer pressure, gratifying their curiosity, low self-esteem, difficulty maintaining interpersonal relationships, and lowering stress. The existence of a substance abuser in the family, among other dependents, is one of the main causes of teen substance usage. For instance, the government has made education the focal point of the social pillar that aims to transform Nigeria's economy. To demonstrate their dedication, several states have heavily financed elementary and secondary education, increasing access to the educational system. However, all of these intervention techniques have come at a significant cost to the public, including wasted opportunity. This paper is anchored on Sutherland's differential association which is a social-process-based sociological explanation of criminal behaviour which is learned through communication with others in intimate groups. A cross-sectional survey approach was used with teenagers, young adults, and a small number of adults who are Taraba residents of all educational levels, socio-economic statuses, and residential locations. According to the findings, two out of every three young people in Taraba State abuse drugs. It was also discovered that the majority of abusers learned the act in schools. The article further suggested that parents and educators devote more time to raising and supervising these youngsters at home and school, respectively.