Drug Abuse among Youth

Abstract

Drug abuse represents one of the major issues affecting youths in the United States and across the globe. The problem affects negatively the social, psychological, academic and economic wellness of the users. The issue of youths abusing drugs has become a major concern for the government, parents and all the responsible organizations. This report determines the nature and the extent of the abuse among youths and all the associated contributing factors, establishes the state and foundation of familiarity and awareness on drug usage and investigates on the socio-cultural, economic forces that leads to drug abuse and finalizes with an in-depth analysis of the general effects of the conduct, challenges faced while fighting abuse and proposes several solutions to reducing and ending the drug abuse issue. The study will follow an explanatory design that seeks to establish the contributing factors to the problem of drug abuse among youths.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

Drug abuse in the contemporariness of the society today is the wickedest disaster of the 21st century that is beyond the issue of drought, cancer or obesity. The issue of drug abuse among youths and teenagers is one that has intensified debates and concerns globally. Drug abuse is an issue that impacts individuals at different levels since most of the abusers are introduced to the norm as teenagers. The developed and developing nations are struggling with extensive range of problems and drug abuse is one of the leading ones. Drug abuse is currently one of the acute issues affecting the young generation. Drug abuse unswervingly affects the socio-economic aspects of the world. Despite the fact that drug abuse affects individuals from all age brackets, it is very disturbing that in the recent it has been established that youths are highly becoming committed to drug use. There are a number of justification to the intense spread of drug abuse among youths which worries everyone. In the society today more and more youths representing individuals of 18 to 35 years are getting into the experimental use of drugs which ultimately leads to addiction. The trend has augmented with globalization, communicate, on technology changes, and lifestyle and modernization adjustments. The worst scenario is the fact that the problem is not only prevalent in the urban settings as the case was in the previous centuries, but has spread uniformly. In this context, drug abuse among young people is an issue that has intensified concerns across the globe.

Background to the Problem

Recently in the United States cases of drug abuse and related problems such as addiction have been on the rise. The occurrence is verified by the cases that have been discussed and noted by the media with most which have been forwarded to the police or within the correctional system not even highlighting the uncountable drug-related studies conducted in the country (Possi, 2018). The issue of abuse is categorized as a disaster because when the youths are affected in such undesirable manner then it means that the future of the country is one that cannot be validated. It is without a doubt that youths are the future, and their wellness is of essence for the growth of the country (Monti, 2012). With such a prevalence, this is a threat to America as the leading country in the globe in terms of socio-economic and political development. In nation’s future with reference to issues such as leadership, innovation and development is likely to face intense challenges if the issue of drug abuse among young people is not handled with urgency. Youths tend to abuse drugs in the highest rate because they are within the experimental stage. Drugs are perceived by most as a stress reliever as an escapism root which fuels the urge of most individuals particularly youths to use the substance to run from reality. Life is said to be more difficult during the youthful age as most individuals attempt to transition and take the responsibilities of adults.

Based on Possi (2018) some of the most abused substances across the globe vary from the ones that are embraced socially to the illegal ones such as alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, heroin and bhang. The long-run consumption of such drugs results in addition which in turn affects the individual’s responsiveness. Drug addiction, contrary to what is known by most individuals is an illness that alters the cognitive and structural functions of the brain in general.  According to reports by WHO the prevalence of drug abuse among youths can be attributed to the feelings provoked by these drugs such as being high and forgetting about life troubles, peer pressure, experimental curiosity, and clinical use and worrying lives (Possi, 2018). Peer pressure plays the major role since most individuals are introduced to drugs by those close as well as the need to fit in within the demands of their peers. Worldwide, America is one of the most affected nation in terms of drugs which is linked to the availability aspects. Even though most of the affected country in the region is Mexico the prevalence affects USA in equal measures. Studies illustrate that hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin are the most abused in the country since they originate from Mexico at ease and spread easily across the state due to the existence of well-developed networks such as technology, infrastructure and communication media. The general implication of these drugs includes deaths, chronic illnesses such as cancer, crime, school dropouts and increased unemployment. 

Purpose of Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the forces that contribute to drug abuse among American youths.

The significance of the Problem

Abuse of drugs among youth holds undesirable implications for the users. The consequences might be social, legal, psychological, health or economic base. It is such intensity that calls for a more precise understanding of the factors that contributes the abuse. The study is a practical one that will seek to offer in-depth details regarding the issue that will be useful for individuals in bettering their lives and those of others. In that, by creating an understanding of the issues that contribute to the problem, the audience will be in a better position. In other words, the findings will seek to increase awareness and familiarity. Also, the results might be fundamental for guardians in dealing with the youth’s perceptions and emotions so that they can shape their behaviors and deter drug abuse. In addition, the findings will also offer a foundation of knowledge for future researchers by being a reference source.

Specific Study Objectives

1. I would like to find out the state and extent of drug abuse and related problems among youth.
2. I would like to find out the demographic aspects that contribute to drug abuse
3. I would like to find out the sociocultural and economic forces influencing drug abuse
4. I would like to find out the consequences of drug abuse
5. I would like to find out the leading challenges that are faced by those fighting the issue of drug abuse.

Conceptual Framework

Demographic aspects such as age, sex, education, occupation, socio-economic status, and culture normally influence an individual’s choices to engage in drug abuse. Studies have illustrated that male is most likely to participate in the maladaptive acts such as poor budgeting and drug abuse when equated to women. Age also represents a major force that drives the road to drugs use. Most youths utilize drugs with the objective of fitting in among peers as well as the interest of being perceived positively by others. On the other hand, the educated persons are widely acknowledged for making informed choices that are less damaging to themselves when equated to the illiterate populace. This is because they are likely to get desperate and hopelessness thus getting lost in drug usage. Religion offers the guideline for settling for the right choices while the socio-cultural aspects are the primary determinant of a person’s conduct. For instances, there are cultures that embrace the consumption of drugs such as alcohol in events and the acceptance of such drugs generates addition. Also, the socio-economic environment is essential ranging from a stressful environment to peer pressure and economic classes which might establish a high or low drugs use.

Theoretical Perspectives

Based on a theoretical perspective the spread of drug usage among youths can fully be justified. First, I believe that cognitive affirmative theory mainly accounts for the thinking, emotions and perceptions of youth with regard to the experimental use of drugs and the resulting consequences. Most youths tend to believe that drugs provides a means of escaping from the reality particularly in the instance when life is particularly difficult. In addition, this is also the means through which respect and admiration from others can be acquired. The negative implications are thus ignored and that is the rationale behind the use of awareness campaigns as the intervention approach (Monti, 2012). On the other hand based on social learning theory, individuals acquires behaviors from those near them. Such acts are learned from family members, peers and their community. The prevalence is more common in the poor setting since individual in the location holds the belief that drugs offers relief to the existing challenges in life. On the other hand the intrapersonal and interaction theory holds that the personality and behavioral characteristics drive the usage of drugs. In that for instance those that experience stress at school, social interaction difficulties and self-esteem issues are likely to get involved in drugs.

Definitions of Concepts

Drug abuse – refers to the customary intake of illegal substances.

Prevalence – the condition of commonness or the widespread in this case of drug abuse among youth.

Consequences – refers to the implication mostly the undesirable effects

Familiarity – the close interaction with knowledge or insights regarding something

Awareness – the perception and knowledge of facts regarding a situation.

Literature Review

Drug abuse represents one of the most pressing issues in the country and it has been the source of unending worry for the last couple of years. The spread of health threats such as cancer and addiction that are associated with drug usage have gathered a growing recognition from all over the world (Possi, 2018). The increased rate of unemployment, pregnancies, and illnesses are some of the significant demonstrators of the need to address the issue. Although drug abuse is considered to be a primary health issue it is also a socio-economic problem that affects the operation of the society. According to Jalilian et al, (2015) the use of drugs by young people is driven by the experimental urge. In that most of them only what to try and gain the feeling on the ground that the use of not legally acceptable which makes them appealing. It is the legal prohibition that motivates the use while the socially allowed drugs are the most abused (Nargiso, Ballard & Skeer, 2015). Drugs abuse refers to the extreme and continuous self- administration of substances with no respect for the medical or cultural norms. Drug abuse is likely to result in planned crimes and damaging of the normal living style.

When the issue of drug abuse in America rises, it is usually related to the youth particularly those from the low socio-economic setting and minority groups. This is partially justified because even though there is an essential drug usage among individuals of different age brackets, it is during the stage that most individuals tend to use drugs. Based on national reports the rate of individuals who were affected by drug abuse by 2014 was about 21.5 million and close to seventy percent of the populace were mainly youth (Nargiso, Ballard & Skeer, 2015). Out of all those that engage in drug use it is estimated that 50 percent fall into addiction without even their own realization while 20 percent end up with health complication and 5 percent of these people die early. However, despite the statistics, the usage among young individuals has been on the rise in the recent. It is asserted that close to 40 percent of the current prison populace accounts for the individuals who were detained on drugs-related cases (Nargiso, Ballard & Skeer, 2015). Since the rehabilitation resources are not as adequate to match the rising populace the situation deteriorates for the users thus creating a worse setting. American youth holds a high possibility of using drugs during the teenage and youthful years when equated to individuals within the European region.

The effects of drug abuse among young individuals have been linked to the weakening of societal morals and values due to modernization. American is one of the leading countries that highly promotes the norm of individualism. In this context, it means that individuals have the ability to make personalized decisions without having to worry about their implication to the world. Majority of youths normally rely on the drugs such as tobacco, alcohol, and cocaine in carrying out of activities which are accounted to ignorance. Studies that have been conducted to establish the youth attitudes towards drugs have held that it is the view of drugs as the source of relief that has caused the high dependency and addiction. A study by Campollo et al., (2018) established that some of the leading influences for youths in using drugs lie in curiosity and peer pressure. It is not surprising that drugs are widely embraced among peers as the best solution to dealing with development and easing the complexities of life. The study by Lee, (2011) also demonstrated that peer pressure is accountable for the intense use of drugs for the goals of creating a psychological balance and increasing appetite.

Lee, (2011) argued that men particularly those that are from the low socio-economic families are connected with an increased threat of substance use. The claim is firmly supported by the establishments by Jalilian et al, (2015) which illustrates that bhang users are mainly American men particularly youth who were denied parental guidance and support while growing. In addition, those that come from the troubled families that survive on inadequate finances and resources are the highest drug users. This is driven by the fact that they are forced to be responsible early and the only escape from such traumatic surrounding is doing drugs. The situation is similar to those that have experiences of abuse. There are those that engage in experimental habits but ultimately stop without much strain but the highest populace falls into addiction, which forces them to advance to more hard drugs which lead to significant effects on themselves and the society in general. Despite the growing commitment from most of the concerned individuals to end the issue, most people still defend the issue as though it was not as severe which has been the source of luring the youths. Drug abuse for the young persons is a subject of concern for the government and various stakeholders. This study will, therefore, seek to establish the extent of drug abuse among American youth.

Hypotheses

1. Peer pressure is a significant cause of drug abuse among youth in America
2. Socio-economic status determines an individual’s lifestyle which in turns determines the indulgence in drugs use.
3. Socio-economic, cultural and peer pressure predicts the high prevalence of drug abuse among youths.

Null Hypothesis

There lacks a significant association between socio-economic aspects and drug abuse among youths.

Research Methods

Sample and data sources

Target population

The study will focus on establishing the prevalence, causes, and effects of drug abuse among American youths. Thus, the target populace will be young individuals particularly university students because they represent one of the most vulnerable group with regard to drug use and addiction because of peer pressure and experimental needs. Since the population is largely a random sampling method will be used. Sampling refers to reducing the large number into a small one to act as the representative of the whole population (Levy & Lemeshow, 2011).

Sampling Frame

The sampling frame is the data that is used in the identification of the most suitable population to be engaged in research (Monsen & Van, 2008). A list of 500 students will be used as the study’s sample frame which will be outsourced from the university’s database after seeking permission from the administration. Random sampling will be required to reduce the sample size to about 100 and 150 students to make the study viable.

Sampling Procedures

The approach of purposive sampling will rely on sampling. This is a non-probability sampling method in which the sample is chosen on the basis of their knowledge, experience, and relationships regarding the issue being discussed (Mitchell & Jolley, 2013). In this study, those that have no relation to individuals using drugs or those that lack the actual experience will be eliminated. The sample will, therefore, be chosen based on relevant knowledge and experience regarding drug abuse. In addition, those that have actively been involved in an initiative that seeks to solve the problem will be included. New and first-year students will not be involved based on their low experience and exposure.

Response rate

The responsive rate is expected to be about 80 percent for it to be categorized as valid for the study. This is because with a high response rate the ability to generate maximum data for analysis will be enhanced.

Data Collection

Since the study will follow a descriptive method data will be collected using survey. This will range from the use of observation, interviews, and questionnaires. Questionnaires will contain semi-structured questions which will seek to ensure that the researcher does not deviate from the actual objectives and aims. In addition, more information that is useful for defending the study will be provided. The questions will be used as a guide for the interviews but this will not restrain the interview’s focus.

Procedures for obtaining data

In order for adequate information to be sourced both interviews and questionnaires will be relied upon. This means that the researcher will distribute the questionnaires to the sample a week prior to the interviews for filling. The questionnaires will be distributed online through the use of email based on the method’s flexibility. After filling the respondents will return the filled questionnaires back to the sender’s address. It is after when the interviews will be carried out particularly during the respondent’s free time which will take about 10 minutes for every respondent. However, before the distribution, the participants will be issued with a consent form to fill and sign to show that they approve of being part of the research. The consent form will inform them of their rights such as freedom to withdraw and the uses of the research. The researcher will analyze the information alone to ensure that the confidentiality aspect is not broken. However, no personal details will be collected.

Variables

Dependent

Drug Abuse- Drug abuse represents the dependent variable which is also the results of the interaction that illustrates how the adaptation of drugs is achieved.

Independent

Independent

Peer pressure, Socio-economic, Age, Culture, perception, and religion and the independent variables. The independent variables are the resources for the conceptual framework. This refers to the factors that drive drug abuse. The facilitating procedure leads to the evolvement of drug abuse.

Control

Peer pressure is the control variable because it is evident that its presence is required for the adoption of drugs. In addition, it is a primary factor when it comes to making choices on whether to get engaged in drugs use.

Research Instruments

Please answer all questions honestly. The answers to the answers will be handled confidentially.

Questions:

1. In the last 6 months have you taken any drug?
2. What is your perception of drug abuse among youths?
3. How many of your friends are drug users?
4. Do you ever use drugs as a form of relaxation, fitting in or feeling better?
5. Have you gotten in any trouble while on drugs?
6. What are the major drivers of drug use among youths?
7. What are some effects of drug abuse?
8. Who are the most affected by drug abuse between men and women? Why?
9. What is the source of awareness and familiarity about drug abuse?
10. Do you think that enough is being done with regard to dealing with drug abuse?
11. How can the issue of drug use be solved? Justify.

Ethical considerations

Since the research will be tackling a sensitive issue, some ethical considerations will be made to assert on the wellness of the study and guarantee effective and accurate results.

Risks of harm

There will be no any form of possible harm to either physical or cognitive. However, in order to ensure that the participants do not leave with the feeling of guilt which might affect their wellness the study will not collect any private information and the answers will be treated as confidential.

Privacy and confidentiality

In ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of the participants, the researcher will not collect any personal details such as name, address and so on. In addition, the researcher will analyze the data solely to ensure that no details are licked.

Brief the respondents

The respondents will be informed of their rights and the purpose of the study before the investigation. This will allow them to familiarize with the topic and be at ease when answering the questions. This will be done via the consent letter.

Cost-benefit ratio

The physical and mental discomfort throughout the study will be worth the benefits with reference to scientific knowledge. In that new insights will be developed which can be useful in living meaningful lives for the uses and youths.

Analysis Findings

The study established that drug abuse among youths is more widespread when compared to the use among adults. Despite the fact that efforts are being made on constant nature to create awareness in general, it is apparent that the youths are very ignorant. Drug abuse represents one of the major issues affecting youths in the United States and across the globe. The problem affects negatively the social, psychological, academic and economic wellness of the users. The issue of youths abusing drugs has become a major concern for the government, parents and all the responsible organizations. Drug abuse among youths has severe consequences ranging from health to socio-economic ones. The current state of increased pregnancies, early deaths, suicides and chronic illnesses are mainly facilitated by the use of drugs in general. Thematic coding is the analysis approach that will be used which involves arranging the concepts based on themes.

Table That Will Test Hypotheses

Hypothesis	Results
Does peer pressure contributes to drug abuse?	Yes
Does socio-economic hold a significant effect on drug abuse?	yes
Does socio-cultural factors affect drug abuse?	yes
Does age affect drug abuse?	No

            Summary and Implications

In conclusion, it is evident that drug abuse is one of the leading issues in American and globally. The abuse of drugs has increased in the recent years among youths which is attribute to technology advancement, globalization, and modernism which mainly encourages of individuality. Several aspects ranging from socio-economic to peer pressure plays a critical role in the rise of the issue. This study will seek to provide information to the public with regard to the contributors and the effects of drug abuse. Through this individuals can make informed choices on the path to take. This will also help in lowering the prevalence and developing a more stable setting. The government and all the respective stakeholders should focus on awareness creation through social media to reach the youths.

 

 

 

 

References

Campollo, O., Sheikhattari, P., Alvarez, C., Toro-Guerrero, J., Avila, H. S., & Wagner, F. A. (2018). Factors associated with tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use among youth living in West Central Mexico. World journal of psychiatry, 8(1), 33.

Compton, W. M., Jones, C. M., & Baldwin, G. T. (2016). Relationship between nonmedical prescription-opioid use and heroin use. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(2), 154-163.Top of Form

Jalilian, F., Karami Matin, B., Ahmadpanah, M., Ataee, M., Ahmadi Jouybari, T., Eslami, A. A., & Mirzaei Alavijeh, M. (2015). Socio-demographic characteristics associated with cigarettes smoking, drug abuse and alcohol drinking among male medical university students in Iran. Journal of research in health sciences, 15(1), 42-46.

Lee, T. Y. (2011). Construction of an Integrated Positive Youth Development Conceptual Framework for the Prevention of the Use of Psychotropic Drugs among Adolescents. The Scientific World Journal, 11, 2403–2417. http://doi.org/10.1100/2011/315870

Levy, P. S., & Lemeshow, S. (2011). Sampling of Populations: Methods and Applications. Hoboken: Wiley.

Mitchell, M. L., & Jolley, J. M. (2013). Research design explained. Australia: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Bottom of FormTop of Form

Monsen, E. R., Van, H. L., & American Dietetic Association. (2008). Research: Successful approaches. Chicago: American Dietetic Association. 

Monti, P. (2012). Adolescents, Alcohol, and Substance Abuse: Reaching Teens through Brief Interventions. New York: Guilford Publications.

Nargiso, J. E., Ballard, E. L., & Skeer, M. R. (2015). A systematic review of risk and protective factors associated with nonmedical use of prescription drugs among youth in the United States: a social ecological perspective. Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, 76(1), 5-20.

Possi, M. K. (2018). Effects of drug abuse on cognitive and social behaviours: A potential problem among youth in Tanzania. Utafiti Journal, 3(1).