Risk factors associated with drug abuse

Abstract

Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, is a pattern of using drugs or substances in a way that is harmful to an individual's health or well-being. It can involve: Illegal drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin, marijuana), prescription drugs (e.g. opioids, stimulants, sedatives), over-the counter medications (e.g. pain relievers, cough medicines), alcohol, inhalants (e.g. glue, solvents), tobacco. This study investigates the factors associated with drug abuse, addressing a significant concern for drug abuse and societal well-being. Utilizing secondary data which was extracted from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which includes 56,136 observations. The main objective of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with drug abuse. The study employed both multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression. Key findings indicate that employment except those employed full-time tend to engage in drug abuse. For participants who do not have father and mother in the household tend to abuse drugs compared to those that have father and mother in the household. Also, age, income, sex and race (except Multi-racial, Native Americans) tend to abuse drugs. An increase in females leads to a reduction in drug abuse as compared to males and employment except the unemployed tend to abuse drugs. The study concludes that employment, education, race, age, father and mother not being in the household have significant relationship with drug abuse. It is also recommended that for participants with no father or mother in the household, social support through encouraging sustainable communities and families is advised like programs that foster social skills, support healthy interactions, and offer constructive alternatives to drug use can help achieve this.