An Assessment of Drug Abuse Among Adolescents in Gombe State
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Background of the Study:
Drug abuse among adolescents has emerged as a critical public health concern globally, and in Gombe State, it poses significant social, educational, and health challenges. Adolescence is a formative period characterized by rapid physical and psychological changes; exposure to drugs during this period can have long-term detrimental effects on brain development and behavior (Okeke, 2023). In Gombe State, socioeconomic instability, peer pressure, and limited recreational opportunities contribute to high levels of drug experimentation and subsequent abuse. Substance use among adolescents ranges from alcohol and tobacco to more harmful substances such as cannabis and opioids. The easy availability of drugs and inadequate supervision in schools and communities further exacerbate this problem. Moreover, cultural and familial factors—such as low parental monitoring and the normalization of substance use in some social circles—create an environment in which drug abuse can flourish.
The implications of adolescent drug abuse are far-reaching. It is associated with a range of adverse outcomes including poor academic performance, increased risk of mental health disorders (e.g., depression and anxiety), and higher rates of involvement in criminal activities. The healthcare system in Gombe State is strained by the need to address these health consequences, yet preventive measures and rehabilitation services remain underdeveloped (Aminu, 2024). Recent research underscores the importance of early intervention and comprehensive prevention programs that integrate education, community support, and policy enforcement to combat drug abuse among adolescents (Ibrahim, 2025). This study seeks to assess the prevalence and determinants of drug abuse among adolescents in Gombe State, aiming to provide evidence-based recommendations for targeted interventions that can reduce drug use and mitigate its negative impacts on youth development.
Statement of the Problem:
Despite growing concerns about drug abuse among adolescents in Gombe State, there remains limited data on its prevalence, contributing factors, and consequent health impacts. Many adolescents engage in drug use due to a confluence of factors including poverty, peer influence, and inadequate parental supervision. These factors, combined with easy access to substances, contribute to high rates of drug abuse, which in turn leads to a range of negative outcomes such as academic failure, mental health problems, and social deviance (Umar, 2023). Furthermore, the stigma associated with drug abuse often prevents affected youths from seeking help, while the lack of accessible rehabilitation and counseling services exacerbates the situation. Inadequate policy enforcement and limited community awareness further complicate efforts to curb the rising trend of drug abuse among adolescents in Gombe State. The absence of systematic intervention strategies has left many communities vulnerable, perpetuating a cycle of substance dependency and associated health risks. This study aims to fill the gap by providing a comprehensive assessment of adolescent drug abuse in the region and identifying actionable factors that can guide effective preventive and rehabilitative strategies.
Objectives of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of drug abuse among adolescents in Gombe State.
- To identify key socioeconomic, familial, and cultural factors contributing to drug abuse.
- To recommend targeted intervention strategies for prevention and rehabilitation.
Research Questions:
- What is the prevalence of drug abuse among adolescents in Gombe State?
- What are the primary factors that contribute to adolescent drug abuse?
- What interventions can effectively reduce drug abuse among adolescents?
Research Hypotheses:
- H1: Higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation are significantly associated with increased drug abuse among adolescents.
- H2: Peer pressure and low parental supervision are significant predictors of drug abuse.
- H3: Comprehensive intervention programs will significantly reduce the prevalence of adolescent drug abuse.
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study focuses on secondary schools and community settings in Gombe State. Limitations include potential underreporting due to social stigma and challenges in obtaining accurate self-reported data on substance use.
Definitions of Terms:
- Drug Abuse: The harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.
- Adolescents: Individuals typically aged 10–19 years.
- Intervention Strategies: Programs or policies designed to prevent or reduce drug abuse.
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