INTRODUCTION

It has been observed that drug abuse is a common phenomenon among

adolescence. It is becoming an increasing problem in schools and a grave concern for
Educational stakeholders, communities and parents. This study, therefore, attempts to
investigate the risk factors contributing to drug abuse, the nature and extent of drug abuse,
the impact of drug abuse on adolescent behaviour and highlight preventative measures to
curb drug abuse.

DRUG ABUSE AMONGST ADOLESCENTS IS COMPLEX AND LARGE IN MAGNITUDE,

AND IS BECOMING A MATTER OF GRAVE CONCERN TO NON-DRUG USING
PARENTS, COMMUNITIES AND EDUCATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS (SCHOOLS AND
GOVERNMENTS) ALIKE.

RISK FACTORS OF DRUG ABUSE AMONGST ADOLESCENCE

Risk factors are circumstances or events that a child finds himself, which increases the use
and abuse of drugs. The more risk factors present, the more likely a child may use drugs
and develop problems. (United States Government, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
website 2008 Why do Teens Use Drugs? Viewed 26 February 2020
https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/family/why-do-teens-use-drugs)

Risk factors include:

Academic performance of the learner
Victim of bullying or cyber bullying
Low self-esteem (sense of belonging)
Parents with little adult authority that enforces few rules and act as friends (permissive
parent)
Family members use drugs
Living in a community with high tolerance for drug use
Believe that there is little risk in using drugs
Physical and emotional effect of using drugs
Competitiveness of modern society (to do better)
Boredom
Curiosity

A) Academic performance of a learner

Learners who struggle academically have higher probability of using drugs. Academic
failure can lead to low self-esteem which is also a risk factor of drug abuse.
Relieve boredom
Feel good
Forget their troubles and relax
Satisfy their curiosity
Ease their pain
Feel grown up
Show their independence
Belong to a specific group
Adolescents experiment with drugs or continue taking them for several reasons,
including:

 To fit in: Many teens use drugs “because others are doing it”—or
they think others are doing it—and they fear not being accepted in a social circle
that includes drug-using peers.
 To feel good: Abused drugs interact with the neurochemistry of the brain to
produce feelings of pleasure. The intensity of this euphoria differs by the type of
drug and how it is used.
 To feel better: Some adolescents suffer from depression, social anxiety,
stress-related disorders, and physical pain. Using drugs may be an attempt to
lessen these feelings of distress. Stress especially plays a significant role in
starting and continuing drug use as well as returning to drug use (relapsing) for
those recovering from an addiction.
 To do better: Ours is a very competitive society, in which the pressure to
perform athletically and academically can be intense. Some adolescents may
turn to certain drugs like illegal or prescription stimulants because they think
those substances will enhance or improve their performance.
 To experiment: Adolescents are often motivated to seek new experiences,
particularly those they perceive as thrilling or daring.

The teen years are often a time to explore and learn more about themselves as they
approach adulthood. Often, this involves experimenting and testing their boundaries.
The desire to do something new or risky is a normal part of teen development.

Teens who perceive little risk in using drugs are more likely to use drugs. Teens may
also use drugs or alcohol to:

Relieve boredom
Feel good
Forget their troubles and relax
Satisfy their curiosity
Ease their pain
Feel grown up
Show their independence
Belong to a specific group
 

What are the Risk Factors and Protective Factors for Drug Use?
Many factors influence a child’s likelihood to use illegal substances or develop a
substance abuse disorder. Effective drug prevention focuses on reducing the risk
factors and strengthening the protective factors that are most closely related to
substance abuse.

Risk factors are circumstances or events that increase a child’s use and abuse of
drugs. The more risk factors present, the more likely a child may be to use drugs and
develop problems. Risk factors for drug use include:
Low grades or failure in school
Victim of bullying or cyber bullying
Low self esteem
Permissive parenting
Parent or older sibling drug/alcohol use
Living in a community with a high tolerance for smoking, drinking, or drug use
among youth
Attending a school without strict rules for tobacco, alcohol, or drugs and
inconsistent enforcement for breaking those rules
Belief that there is little risk in using a drug.
 

Protective Factors
Protective factors are those characteristics that can reduce a person's risk for
substance abuse or addiction. Protective factors that may decrease the risk
of drug use include:
Strong bond with a parent or caregiver
High self esteem
Parent or caregiver who talks regularly with their child about drugs
Active in faith-based organizations, school, athletic, or community activities
Spending time around positive role models
Living in a community that offers youths activities where drugs and alcohol are
not tolerated
Attending a school with an effective alcohol and drug education program and
a non-tolerance policy for alcohol and drugs
Belief that using drugs may be harmful or risky
 

As a parent you can control many of the risk and protective factors in your home.
Remember that parents and caregivers are the most important role models in
children’s lives. For more information see Growing up Drug Free: A Parent’s
Guide to Prevention.
Source: O’Connell, M.E., Boat, T., & Warner, K.E. (Eds.). (2009) Preventing
mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders among young people:
Progress and possibilities. National Research Council and Institute of
Medicine of the National Academies. Washington, D.C.: The National
Academies Press.