Problems faced by teenage drug abusers in Uganda: a case study of Jinja district.

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to examine the problems faced by teenage drug abusers in Uganda a case study of Jinja district. The study is main objectives was to find the challenges that are faced by youth due to drug abuse and how the problem of drug abuse can be controlled among the youth. A qualitative, descriptive research design research design was deployed for the study and this made it possible to explore the interrelationships between variables .Sampling of this study comprised 25 respondents and included youth who once faced and are currently facing the problem of drug abuse. A thematic and a narrative analysis were employed in this data analysis to find out the problems faced by drug abusers among youth in Uganda from Jinja district. The study found that substances abused by the participants include alcohol, nicotine, khat “Mairungi”, cannabis and heroin and the most affected areas included Jinja town, “Bugembe”, “kubiri” and “kakira” among others. Their reasons for using these substances include individual, family and environmental factors. However, peer group pressure was identified as the primary factor for adolescent substance use. This study emphasizes the painful nature of drug abuse among the youth, yet at the same time it succeeds in highlighting the strategies that can be employed to address drug abuse among the youth. In addition, this study recommends a concerted effort by all the stakeholders in addressing the substance abuse problem.