THE CAUSES AND EXTENT OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUTHS IN GBOKO TOWN OF BENUE STATE

Agba, Solomon Arumun and Kyernum, Nguveren

Department of Sociology

University of Mkar, Benue State, Nigeria

E-mail: agbasolomon55@gmail.com; nguverenkyernum@gmail.com

Abstract: Drug abuse is a social problem that has become prolific in Benue State and Gboko town in particular. This study thus investigated the causes and extent to which youths abuse drugs in Gboko town. This problem was examined through the theoretical lenses of anomie theory. Questionnaire was adopted as the instrument for primary data collection for the study and 227 respondents participated in the study. The study found out that, among other factors, unemployment/underemployment and frustration are influential factors precipitating the involvement of youths in drug abuse in Gboko town. The study also revealed that, as part of attempts at resolving their predicaments, many youths in Gboko town are increasingly joining associations that anchor their activities on drug abuse. This paper, therefore, calls for creation of employment opportunities for the youths in Gboko town, promulgation of laws that will prohibit formation and/or existence of drug abuse associations and the establishment of drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers in Gboko town as strategies that will help to curb the problem of drug abuse among youths in Gboko town.