Drug Abuse And Unemployment: A Study Of Ikeduru Local Government Area Of Imo State

ABSTRACT

This work is focused on Drug Abuse and Unemployment  in Ikeduru Local government Imo State. The general objective of the study is examine drug abuse and unemployment in Ikeduru. However, the specific objectives include to: To assess the prevalence and patterns of drug abuse in Ikeduru L.G.A in Imo State, To examine the factors contributing to drug abuse in Ikeduru L.G.A in Imo State, To analyze the impact of unemployment on drug abuse Ikeduru L.G.A in Imo State, To identify the challenges faced by the unemployed population in Ikeduru L.G.A in Imo State. The Descriptive research design was used for the study. Data for the study were collected using questionnaire and interview methods. Our hypotheses were tested using chi-square statistical method. The theoretical framework for the study was anchored on Economic Strain Theory. The study found among others found that Unemployment has led to Idleness and Boredom; Employment is very important when it comes to growth of a society and is one of the major factor to be considered.. The study recommended, among others, that Government at all levels (Federal, State and Local) should urgently address the challenges of  drug abuse in our communities, The youths be assisted and encouraged to work. The government should provide them with employment opportunities, The youths  should form cooperatives in order to assist themselves, Every communities, through town union should assist in employment  in their communities. They should mobilize the men,  and youths to be involved in working.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study:

Drug abuse is a growing concern in Ikeduru LGA, as well as in Nigeria as a whole. The availability and use of illicit substances have risen, affecting individuals across different age groups and socio-economic backgrounds. A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by Adeloye et al. (2018) revealed a significant prevalence of illicit drug use disorders among Nigerian youths. The reasons for drug abuse are multifaceted, encompassing factors such as peer pressure, curiosity, stress, and the lack of employment opportunities (Nwoga et al., 2018).

Unemployment and drug abuse are interrelated issues, forming a complex cycle of causation. Unemployment can contribute to a sense of despair and purposelessness, making individuals vulnerable to seeking solace or escape through substance abuse. Conversely, drug abuse can further exacerbate unemployment by diminishing individuals’ motivation, impairing their ability to secure and maintain employment (Oguwuike, 2018).

Unemployment is a persistent issue in Ikeduru LGA, as it is in many parts of Nigeria. The lack of job opportunities, particularly for the youth population, has contributed to a sense of frustration and hopelessness. Unemployed individuals face challenges in meeting their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and healthcare. The resulting socio-economic strain often leads to negative coping mechanisms, with drug abuse being a prevalent issue.

Understanding the link between drug abuse and unemployment is essential for developing effective strategies and interventions. Unemployment can create a sense of despair and purposelessness, leading individuals to seek solace or escape through substance abuse. Simultaneously, drug abuse can exacerbate unemployment by diminishing individuals’ motivation, impairing their ability to secure and maintain employment.

Despite the evident importance of studying drug abuse and unemployment, there is a dearth of specific research conducted in Ikeduru LGA. Therefore, this study aims to bridge the knowledge gap by exploring the relationship between drug abuse and unemployment within the context of Ikeduru LGA. By conducting an in-depth case study, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, this research seeks to shed light on the extent of drug abuse among the unemployed population and identify the underlying factors contributing to this issue.

The findings of this study will contribute to the development of targeted interventions, policies, and programs aimed at addressing drug abuse and unemployment in Ikeduru LGA. By understanding the unique challenges faced by the local population, policymakers and stakeholders can design and implement evidence-based strategies to empower individuals, promote employment opportunities, and provide support for individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Ikeduru Local Government Area (LGA) in Imo State, Nigeria, serves as the focus of this study on the relationship between drug abuse and unemployment. Understanding the background of the study area is essential for comprehending the factors contributing to these pressing issues.

Ikeduru LGA, like many regions in Nigeria, faces significant socio-economic challenges, including high levels of unemployment and drug abuse. The area has experienced transitions in its economic landscape, shifting from an agrarian-based economy to a more urbanized and industrialized one. Historically, agriculture played a vital role in the local economy, with crops like yam, cassava, and palm produce driving economic activities (Ikeduru Local Government, n.d.).

However, the changing economic dynamics have resulted in increased unemployment rates in the region. The lack of job opportunities, particularly for the youth population, has led to frustration and a sense of hopelessness. Unemployment poses challenges in meeting basic needs, such as food, shelter, and healthcare, thereby amplifying social and economic strains (Oguwuike, 2018).

Ikeduru Local Government Area (LGA), located in Nigeria, serves as the backdrop for this study on drug abuse and unemployment. The LGA is home to a diverse population and faces various socio-economic challenges, including high levels of unemployment and drug abuse. Understanding the background of the study area is crucial for comprehending the factors contributing to these issues.

The reasons for drug abuse are multifaceted, encompassing factors such as peer pressure, curiosity, stress, and lack of employment opportunities. Unemployment contributes to a sense of despair and purposelessness, making individuals vulnerable to seeking solace or escape through substance abuse (Adeniyi et al., 2020).

While studies examining drug abuse and unemployment exist, there is a dearth of specific research conducted in Ikeduru LGA. Therefore, this study aims to bridge the knowledge gap by exploring the relationship between drug abuse and unemployment within the context of Ikeduru LGA. By conducting an in-depth case study utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods, this research seeks to shed light on the extent of drug abuse among the unemployed population and identify the underlying factors contributing to this issue.

The findings of this study will contribute to the development of targeted interventions, policies, and programs aimed at addressing drug abuse and unemployment in Ikeduru LGA. By understanding the unique challenges faced by the local population, policymakers and stakeholders can design and implement evidence-based strategies to empower individuals, promote employment opportunities, and provide support for individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Ikeduru Local Government Area (LGA), located in Imo State, Nigeria, serves as the focal point for this study on drug abuse and unemployment. Understanding the background of the study area is crucial for comprehending the factors contributing to these interconnected issues.

Ikeduru LGA, like many regions in Nigeria, grapples with significant socio-economic challenges, including high levels of unemployment and drug abuse. The area has witnessed shifts in its economic landscape, transitioning from an agrarian-based economy to a more urbanized and industrialized one. Historically, agriculture played a pivotal role in the local economy, with crops such as yam, cassava, and palm produce driving economic activities (Ikeduru Local Government, n.d.).

However, the changing economic dynamics have led to increased unemployment rates in the region. The lack of job opportunities, particularly for the youth population, has resulted in frustration, disillusionment, and a sense of hopelessness. Unemployment poses challenges in meeting basic needs, including food, shelter, and healthcare, exacerbating social and economic strains (Oguwuike & Anyanwu, 2017).

While several studies have examined drug abuse and unemployment in Nigeria, there is a dearth of specific research conducted in Ikeduru LGA. Therefore, this study aims to bridge the knowledge gap by exploring the relationship between drug abuse and unemployment within the context of Ikeduru LGA.

The findings of this study will contribute to the development of targeted interventions, policies, and programs aimed at addressing drug abuse and unemployment in Ikeduru LGA. By understanding the unique challenges faced by the local population, policymakers and stakeholders can design and implement evidence-based strategies to empower individuals, promote employment opportunities, and provide support for those struggling with substance abuse.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The Ikeduru Local Government Area (LGA) in Imo State, Nigeria, is grappling with two critical issues: namely drug abuse and unemployment. These problems are interconnected and have severe implications for the well-being and development of the local community.

It is obvious that the high prevalence of drug abuse in the community has been a noticeable increase in drug abuse among the population, which raises concerns about the extent of drug abuse, the types of drugs being abused, and the consequences associated with it.

High unemployment rates and its consequences poses significant challenges in Ikeduru LGA, affecting individuals, families, and the community as a whole. It is important to examine the extent of unemployment, identify the factors contributing to it, and understand the social and economic impacts it has on the community.

Another problem  is the interrelationship between drug abuse and unemployment. There is a need to explore the link between these two issues in Ikeduru LGA. It is important to understand how unemployment influences drug abuse and how drug abuse, in turn, exacerbates unemployment rates and creates additional social and economic challenges for individuals and the community.

what is even more, there is a limited understanding of the local dynamics of drug abuse and unemployment in Ikeduru LGA. While studies have been conducted in various contexts, there is a lack of research specifically focused on this community. This study aims to fill that gap by providing insights into the unique factors, challenges, and implications of drug abuse and unemployment in Ikeduru LGA.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the study is to examine drug abuse and unemployment in Ikeduru. The specific objectives include;

1. To assess the prevalence and patterns of drug abuse in Ikeduru L.G.A in Imo State.
2. To examine the factors contributing to drug abuse in Ikeduru L.G.A in Imo State.
3. To analyze the impact of unemployment on drug abuse Ikeduru L.G.A in Imo State.
4. To identify the challenges faced by the unemployed population in Ikeduru L.G.A in Imo State.

1.4 Research Questions:

1. What are the prevalence and patterns of drug abuse among the residents of Ikeduru Local Government Area (LGA)?
2. What are the factors contributing to drug abuse in Ikeduru L.G.A in Imo State?
3. How does unemployment  impact drug abuse Ikeduru L.G.A in Imo State.
4. What are the challenges faced by the unemployed population in Ikeduru L.G.A in Imo State.

1.5 Hypotheses of the Study:

1. There is a significant relationship between unemployment and drug abuse in Ikeduru Local Government Area (LGA)
2. There is significant relationship on prevalence of drug abuse among the unemployed population in Ikeduru LGA compared to the employed population.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The finding of the study will create awareness on the drug abuse and unemployment  a study of Ikeduru Also, the study will also reveal the challenges facing early marriages and proffer possible solutions to the problem. It can assist in the development of targeted prevention campaigns, educational initiatives, and awareness programs to reduce drug abuse among the local population, particularly the youth.

The study help policy makers to know whether to review the laws on drug abuse and unemployment  or not. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on drug abuse and unemployment in Nigeria, particularly within the context of Ikeduru LGA.  The study will also serve as guide for related researches.

1.7 Operationalization of Terms

Drug Abuse: Refers to the excessive, recurrent, and harmful use of substances, including both illicit drugs (such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana) and legal substances (such as prescription medications and alcohol), leading to negative consequences on physical, psychological, and social well-being.

Unemployment: Refers to the state of being without a job or occupation, typically measured as the percentage of individuals who are actively seeking employment but are unable to secure suitable work opportunities.

Prevalence: Refers to the proportion of individuals within a population who exhibit a specific characteristic or engage in a particular behavior.

Patterns of Drug Abuse: Refers to the various ways in which drug abuse is manifested, including frequency and duration of drug use, routes of administration, combinations of substances used, and contexts in which drug abuse occurs.

Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse: Refers to the underlying influences, circumstances, and variables that increase the likelihood of individuals engaging in drug abuse.

Interrelationship: Refers to the mutual connection or influence between two or more factors or phenomena.

Interventions: Refers to strategies, programs, or actions implemented to address a specific issue or problem.

Policies: Refers to guidelines, regulations, or frameworks established by governmental or organizational entities to guide decision-making and actions related to a specific issue or area of concern.

Pages:  81

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF               

Chapters: 1-5                                          

Source: Imsuinfo

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.