Intervention Strategies for Mitigating Drug and Substance Abuse Among Youths in Selected Local Government Areas of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated intervention strategies for reducing drug and substance abuse among youths in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State, Nigeria. The survey research design was employed in this study and qualitative data collection was made. Both primary and secondary data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted with key informants, including community leaders, parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals, to obtain qualitative insights into the underlying factors contributing to drug and substance use. The study adopted the qualitative data analysis which involved thematic and content analysis to identify key themes and patterns in the participants' narratives. Thematic and content analysis revealed various contributing factors to drug abuse and the distinct roles of key players in addressing the issue. Tailoring national campaigns to local contexts through domestication emerged as an effective approach, leveraging community engagement, local influencers, and continuous monitoring. The study emphasised the critical roles of the NDLEA, health practitioners, religious and traditional institutions, media, and NGOs in prevention efforts. The study discovers that various key players are identified, showcasing their distinct roles and responsibilities in addressing this pressing issue. The study showed that tailoring national campaigns to local contexts through domestication enhances effectiveness by customizing messages and interventions to the local culture of drug and substance abuse. The study recommended implementing comprehensive prevention programs, advocating for good parenting, strengthening law enforcement, and improving access to mental health services for affected youths. This study underscores the collective responsibility of stakeholders, including governmental agencies, community institutions, religious leaders, educators, parents, NGOs, and youths themselves, in addressing drug abuse among youths in Benue State. The study concludes that the significance of acknowledging drug abuse as a collective concern that requires the involvement of various stakeholders, including governmental agencies, community institutions, religious leaders, educators, parents, NGOs, and youths themselves. The prevalence of drug abuse among youths in the district underscores the need for immediate action and underscores the responsibility of each stakeholder to play a role in prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation efforts towards mitigating drug and substance abuse among youths in Benue State.