ILLICIT DRUGS USE AND DEPENDENCY AMONG TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS IN OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

Abstract

Social problems associated with the transition from adolescence to adulthood are numerous and ramifying. Among the increasing number of unfavourable conditions in Nigeria are those related to drug use. This paper examines the use of illicit drugs and dependency among teens and young adults in Oredo Local Government Area in Benin City, Edo state of Nigeria. A survey was carried out on a section of young adults and teens in the local government area. Copies of questionnaire were used to elicit information from a sample comprising 100 teens and young adults. Findings reveal that a lot of persons within this group have in one way or the other been involved in the use of illicit drugs. Strong dependence on psychoactive drugs like marijuana, nicotine and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) which has negative effects following repeated use, is weighing much on the individual drug user, the family, friends and the society at large. It is necessary therefore that the right steps be taken by the government and other relevant stakeholders to stem this destructive tide in the Oredo locality and the Nigerian society at large.