CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCION

1.1 Background

Drug abuse among youths continues to be a major problem worldwide, and in particular, Cameroon (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2009). Most adolescent begin to experiment with substances at an early age (De Miranda, 2001; Jaffe, 2002). The most widely abused substances are alcohol, tobacco and cannabis because they are in excess (Alcohol and substance abuse information, Madu & Matla, 2003). The term drug is defined as any substance that when absorbed into a living organism may modify one or more of its physiological functions. The term is generally used in reference to a substance taken for both therapeutic purpose and abused substances (Kwamanga, Odhiambo & Amukoye, 2003). Globally and even regionally, drug and substance abuse is an ever expanding problem and is recognized as a threat with serious effects on people’s health, security, social-economic and cultural welfare.

Abuse of substances among adolescents is associated with a broad range of high-risk behaviour. This type of behaviour can have profound health, economic and social consequences, for example, some adolescents participate in deviant peer groups, unprotected sexual intercourse, interpersonal violence, destruction of property and perform poorly in their studies (De Miranda, 1987; Jaffe, 1998). According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2008), substance abuse is worsened by complex socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, poverty and crime in general. Most communities in Cameroon encounter problems with adolescent who smoke and take in tramadol and cigarette. Various theories such as disease or biomedical theory, psychological theories, progression theories, economic theories, symbolic and interaction theory, social control theory, and availability theories explain the reasons for substance use (Ciccheti, 2007; Crain, 2004).

Drug abuse is defined as self-administration of drugs for non-medical reasons, in quantities and frequencies which may impart inability to function effectively and which may result in physical, social and/or emotional harm. The use and abuse of drugs and other substances is a global phenomenon with a long history. (Alder Freda. et.al 2004:320) traces the use of chemical substances that alter behavior to the Stone Age period, they observe that the Egyptians relics from 350 BC depicted opium use in religious rituals and that the Incas of South America are also known to have used cocaine at least 5000 years ago, cannabis sativa the common drug has a 5000 years history. Over the past two decades, the use of illegal drugs and misuse of therapeutic drugs have spread at an unprecedented rate and have penetrated every part of the globe. No nation has been spared from the devastating problem caused by drug abuse. At the same time, broad spectrum of the world community has demonstrated intense concern over the problem (Ibid, 2000). The issue of drug abuse is a major headache to societies and authorities from the cities of Africa, Latin America and Asia. Taking drugs at an early age of 15 or younger greatly increases the chances of developing drug problems in future. The most commonly abused drugs in Cameroon are alcohol, tramadol, tobacco, bhangah (marijuana), glue, and psychotropic drugs (NACADA, 2004). The use of drugs and substance abuse in communities in Cameroon is so rampant.

1.2 Problem Statement

Abuse of substances among youths is associated with a broad range of high-risk behaviour. This type of behaviour can have profound health, economic and social consequences, for example, some adolescents participate in deviant peer groups, unprotected sexual intercourse, interpersonal violence, destruction of property and perform poorly in their studies (De Miranda, 1987; Jaffe, 1998; Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS.).

In Cameroon despite the fact that there are measures such as legal restrictions and awareness creation on the dangers of drug use and substance abuse, this problem is widespread in the society at large and in many institution especially schools, colleges, prisons and also communities. It has, been observed most adolescent in the molyko community often involve themselves in drug use and substance abuse despite the consequences that are associated with it. Hence, it is crucial to investigate the factors influencing drug abuse amongst youth’s age 15-29 years in the Molyko Community.

1.3 Research Question

What are the factors influencing drug abuse amongst youth’s age 15-29 years in the Molyko Community?

What knowledge do this youth’s age 15-29 years have on the consequences of drug abuse in the Molyko Community?

1.4 Research Objectives

1.4.1 General Objective

To investigate the factors influencing drug abuse amongst youth’s age 15-29 years in the Molyko Community.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

To identify the factors influencing drug abuse amongst youth’s age 15-29 years in the Molyko Community.

To assess their knowledge on the consequences of drug abuse in the Molyko Community.

1.5 Justification

The contribution of the youths in the society cannot be underestimated the youths are the most energetic group and therefore forms the main source of labor in the economy. It is therefore necessary to study the problems affecting them since this is a critical stage in human development. (Aronoff. et al, 1970). The high rate of drug use among the youth is a major concern and can be a major cause of discontinuity in their personality development. Mathari Psychiatric Hospital emphasized this observation in a report published in (The People Daily 2006:24 Feb 19th) which pointed out that young people are at high risk of losing consciousness due to high risk of drug addiction.