Social Determinants Impacting Drug Abuse in Bayelsa Communities

Drug abuse is a significant public health issue in Nigeria, with distinct conditions and problems that vary from place to place. The problem of drug abuse poses a significant threat to the social, health, economic status of the families, society and the entire nations. Almost every country in the world is affected by one or more drugs being abused by citizens. Drug abuse globally has resulted in increased violence and crimes, higher prevalence in Hepatitis B and C virus, HIV/AIDS, and collapse in the social structure. In Nigeria, the South-West zone had a prevalence of 22.4% drug users in 2017, followed by the South-South (16.6%), South-East (13.8%), North-East (13.6%), and North-West (13.1%). In 2012, Nigeria ranked among the highest users of dangerous drugs such as alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, benzodiazepines, cocaine and opioids when compared with other developing countries. A review of literature indicated a steady increase in drug abuse in Nigeria, with a high prevalence among youths in secondary schools and tertiary institutions. The determinants of drug abuse in Bayelsa communities include genetic predisposition, early drug use, mental disorders, a history of trauma, and troubled relationships. These determinants, coupled with the availability and accessibility of drugs, contribute to the high prevalence of drug abuse in Bayelsa communities. This study recommends the intensification of public education on the effects of substance use and life skill training programs among youths in Bayelsa communities to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse.