Level of Substance Use Disorders among Youths of Rumuekpe Community in Emouha Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the level of substance use disorders among youths of the Rumuekpe Community in Emouha LGA, Rivers State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was applied in the study. The sample for this study included 155 respondents drawn from the only secondary school in the community. The instrument used was an adapted instrument called the Substance Use Assessment Scale (SUAS)). The theories that underpin this study are self-derogation and Life course Theory. The result of the first objective was that the awareness level of the availability of substances of abuse was high (95.5%). The result of the second objective was that the use of alcohol (mean score 4.0), methamphetamine (mean score 3.5) and marijuana (mean score 3.5) was very high among students of Community Secondary School Rumeukpe. The result of the third objective shows that the common substance use disorders identified among the students were drug addiction (mean score of 4.0), drug dependence (mean score of 3.5), economic problem (mean score of 3.5), social problem (3.5), academic problem (3.5). It was therefore recommended that health education on the effects of substance use should be employed on the youths and community at large. Also, early identification and prompt treatment of those with substance use disorders was recommended. This study highlights gaps in substance abuse enlightenment programs and education in rural communities and schools. The majority of the respondents have little or no idea of the effects of abusing substances like methamphetamine and marijuana.