Causes, Consequences and Control of Drug Abuse Among Youths in Nigeria: A Library Based Information Intervention Approach (Published)
This study examined the causes, consequences, and control of drug abuse among youths in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on a library-based information intervention approach. The study was guided by three objectives which focused on identifying the causes of drug abuse, examining its consequences, and evaluating the role of libraries in its prevention among youths. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised youths aged 15–35 years, including both in-school and out-of-school youths, as well as library personnel. A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed, while 263 were correctly completed and retrieved for analysis. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled Drug Abuse among Youths and Library-Based Information Intervention Questionnaire (DAYLBIIQ), and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and frequency tables. Findings of the study revealed that drug abuse among youths is largely influenced by peer pressure, unemployment, curiosity, poor family background, and media influence. The study further established that drug abuse has serious consequences, including poor academic performance, increased criminal behaviour, mental health challenges, family breakdown, and increased risk of premature death. In addition, the findings showed that libraries play a significant role in drug abuse prevention through the provision of relevant information resources, awareness campaigns, youth engagement programmes, and access to educational materials. The study concluded that libraries are important information-based intervention centres capable of contributing effectively to the reduction of drug abuse among youths in Nigeria. It was recommended that libraries should be strengthened through adequate funding, integration of drug education materials, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders for effective prevention programmes.
Keywords: Drug Abuse, Libraries, Nigeria, Youths, information intervention