DRUG ABUSE AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL MALE STUDENTS IN ABEOKUTA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Drug abuse and alcohol consumption is increasingly recognized as a critical social issue with widespread consequences affecting various aspects of individual and community lives. This study investigate the prevalence, contributing factors, consequences, as well as preventive strategies to curb drug abuse and alcohol consumption among secondary school male students in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, Ogun State. The research adopts a descriptive quantitative design to select 394 respondents from public secondary schools in Abeokuta South LGA. Data wascollected through a standardized questionnaire from similar and past studies. Result shows that majority (46.0%) of the respondents were between 11 and 20 years predominantly (73.1%) Yoruba and from Nuclear family (63.4%). Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings indicate a low prevalence of substance use (59.6%), one-third of the respondents were at risk of alcohol consumption, history of mental health issues (X̄=1.47) emerged as the most significant contributing factor. The study also found significant adverse effects of substance use on interpersonal domain of the respondents (X̄=1.66). Awareness on drug abuse and alcohol consumption ranked the highest (73%) and a significant positive relationship (r = 0.657, p < 0.05) between drug abuse and alcohol consumption was found. The study conclude that a low prevalence of drug abuse and alcohol consumption exist among the respondents, however, one-third are at risk. It is therefore recommended that targeted intervention to address at risk students should be formulated.