An exploration of the effects of drug and substance abuse on youths. A case study of Mufakose, Harare, Zimbabwe. · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Karidza, Faith

Title

An exploration of the effects of drug and substance abuse on youths. A case study of Mufakose, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Abstract

Substance use disorders and addiction among youths has become a universal concern, having devastating effects on health outcomes, education, and social well-being of youths. This study therefore explored the effects of drug and substance abuse on youths in Mufakose Ward 34 of Harare in Zimbabwe. The study made an appreciation of the global, regional, national, and local effects of drug and substance abuse on youths. The basic factors which influence youths into drugs and substances were also discussed and these differently influence individuals. The research employed a descriptive rresearch design and a purposive and snowball sampling techniques. By conducting questionnaire based research, focus group discussions, and key informants interviews, the study managed to gather a reliable set of primary data which was presented and analysed using statistical tables, graphs, and charts to draw conclusions on how youths are affected drug and substance abuse. The research findings showed that the majority of youths are facing the effects of drug and substance abuse, with most youths suffering from addiction which is related to mental health disorders. They are engaged in risky sexual behaviours, and violence and crime which also affects the community as a whole. School going children are dropping school and becoming unproductive. The findings showed that youths are driven into drugs by various factors such as peer pressure, the environment they live in, stress, the school environment and family set up. However, the research highlighted various strategies which can be put in place by the community, school institutions and the government to fight the surge of drug and substance abuse and its effects on young people. This study finally recommends various development institutions to take a holistic pragmatic stance towards educating youths on the effects of drugs and substance abuse and providing rehabilitation and access to treatment to those who are struggling with addiction.

Date

May 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

drug and substance abuse

Supervisor

Mrs. Chinyanganya