INFLUENCE OF DRUGS ABUSE ON ADOLESCENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH IN BWARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of drug abuse on mental health of adolescents in Bwari Local Government Area (LGA), Abuja, Nigeria. Using Social Learning Theory as a guide, descriptive survey research design was employed for the study. Structured questionnaires were administered to 400 adolescents aged 13–19 that were engaged in drugs abuse across the LGA. Findings reveal that alcohol, marijuana, tramadol, and codeine were the most commonly used substances, with alcohol being the most frequently abused. Peer influence, media exposure, and availability of drugs in unregulated community spaces emerged as major sources of initiation. Most respondents first used drugs between the ages of 15 and 16, with a significant proportion reporting occasional or weekly use. Psychologically, drug abuse was linked to anxiety (30.0%), depression (25.5%), and aggressive behaviour (13.0%), while 66.8% of users admitted being unable to stop despite the consequences. Academically, over half of the respondents reported declining performance, and socially, many experienced strained family and peer relationships. Environmental and socio-economic factors also played key roles: 53.3% came from low-income homes, 49.3% cited peer pressure as a major influence, and 74.3% acknowledged that their living environment encouraged drug use. Access to drugs was reported as very easy by nearly half of the respondents. These findings point to a complex interplay of individual, social, and environmental factors driving adolescent drug abuse in Bwari LGA. The study concludes that comprehensive, youth-focused intervention strategies—combining school-based education, community awareness, parental involvement, and improved access to mental health and rehabilitation services—are urgently needed to mitigate the rising public health burden among Nigerian adolescents.