Chapter 1

Introduction
Background of the study
In all countries, illegal drug economy plays a prominent role in national decisions
made. Especially in adolescents and the youth. Therefore the current study was conducted to
develop a questionnaire to assess the status of drug awareness among criminology students of
Northwestern University.
Statement of the problem
A study to assess the illegal drug awareness of criminology students.
Significance of the study
The period of young adulthood is not an easy stage of life. Many physical and
emotional tasks place during young adulthood period. During this stage of life young people
have freedom to access health compromising substance such as drugs.
Bennet and Woolf (1991) defines substance abuse as psychoactive drugs of any class
or type, used alone or in combination that possessed significant hazards to health.
Common substances that causes addiction are as follows. Certain stimulants,
depressants, opioms, cannabis,hallucinogens and inhalants.
Therefore the researchers planned to conduct the study among the college
criminology students to test their awareness regarding illegal drugs.
Scope and Delimitation
The study research was limited to illegal drug awareness. As perceived by the
criminology students of Northwestern University during the school year 2018. The aspects
looks how criminology students are aware on different kinds of drugs.
Definition of Terms
Drugs- is any substance which when taken into body alters the body function either
physically and psychologically.
Stimulants – sometimes called “uppers” temporary increases alertness and energy.
Depressants – sometimes called “downers” these drugs come in multi colored tablets
or in liquid form.
Opioid- are narcotics that act on opiod receptors to prudoce morphine like effects.
Cannabis- also known as marijuana among other names. Is a psychoactive drug used
for medical or recreational purposes.
Hallucinogens- is a psychoactive agent which can cause hallucinations perceptual
anomalies and other substantial subjective changes in thoughts emotion and consciousness.