The role of rehabilitation centers in fighting drug abuse among the youths: a case of UYDEL Banda Youth Center.

Abstract

The study focused on the role of rehabilitation centers in fighting drug abuse among the youths in Uganda youth development link (UYDEL) Banda youth center. The study was presented in form of chapters. Chapter one presented the introductory aspects of the study that included the back ground and problem statement of the study. It was guided by a number of objectives and questions that the researcher sought answers for. These included; the dynamics related to drug abuse, counseling activities used in fighting drug abuse, awareness and drug education programs, vocational skills and sports activities and how these different activities could help in the fight against drug abuse. The second chapter presented different literature and data on the area of study that was reviewed to provide the reader background information related to the area. The study was both qualitative and quantitative in nature providing descriptive and explanatory data to the reader. It used a sample size of 50 respondents which included youths (male and female), social workers, health workers and local leaders. The primary respondents were selected using proportionate stratified sampling where the stratums were divided depending on gender. Since most of the youths at the center were male, female youths had to be equally represented while selecting. The researcher also used simple random sampling to select who should participate in the study. Purposive sampling was used to select the key informants. Questionnaires and face to face interviews were used to collect data. The findings of study revealed that many of the youths engage in to drug abuse because of peer pressure however other reasons like fun, enjoyment, sexual desires, unemployment and many more should not underestimated because they also contribute to drug abuse. Accessibility to rehabilitation centers is hard because the youths lack information about the existence of the centers. Poverty, fear to disclose and stigma are some of the reasons that were found out to have limited the youths from accessing these services. The findings further showed that the different activities were useful in fighting drug abuse. The study revealed that vocational skills training prepare the youths for life after rehabilitation, for example provision of skills that could enable the youths find jobs. Counseling enables the youths change behavior and as well make informed decisions. The study showed that sports provide the youths with problem solving skills, self-awareness and decision making skills. While, creating awareness the study established that the role of creating awareness is every ones responsibility and therefore the right information should be passed on to the youths so as to fight and prevent drug abuse. Conclusively, need for more cheaply and easily accessed rehabilitation centers could enable our society to be drug free and as well fight drug abuse. Educating the youths about drug and substance abuse is every ones right and therefore the right information should be provided to children of all ages