Prevailing Effects of Narcotic Abuse Among Undergraduate Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated prevailing effects of narcotic abuse among undergraduate students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. The study objectives included prevalence of narcotic abuse, causes of narcotic abuse amongst undergraduates, effects of narcotic abuse among undergraduates and ways of curtailing narcotic abuse. Three theories were examined namely psychological theory of crime, differential association theory and strain theory. Differential association theory was adopted as the theoretical framework. The study adopted the mixed methods research design. The target population was 24,706 regular undergraduates, aged 18 years and above studying in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The study sampled 204 respondents. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used. Multi-stage involves the use of purposive sampling (i.e. non-probability sampling method) and other successive types of probability sampling method in selecting the respondents. The quantitative data collected were processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as simple percentages, frequency counts and graphic illustrations while the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic method of data analysis. Two hypotheses were tested using Chi–square (X2) test statistics. Findings indicated that there is high prevalence of narcotic abuse among students of NAU. Majority of the respondents engage in abuse of narcotics such as marijuana, heroin, and morphine/opium. Data analyzed showed that the causes of narcotic abuse among students include peer group pressure, negative family experience, broken home, cultism, availability of narcotics in the neighbourhood and boosting self-confidence. The study confirmed that undergraduates, who engage in narcotic abuse are likely to experience poor academic performance, consent to unsafe sex due to influence of narcotic, examination malpractice bullies, etc. Based on these findings, it was recommended amongst others that awareness creation on the dangers of consuming narcotic substances should be organized. Also, undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka should sign an undertaken not to do drugs.