ECONOMIC IMPACT OF JUVENILE SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ADDICTION ON NIGERIAN HOUSEHOLDS AND COMMUNITIES CAN GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING OFFER A SOLUTION?

Abstract

In addition to the financial toll that substance misuse and addiction have on the families and communities where addicts reside, the study examined the rising rates of adolescent substance abuse and addiction among Nigerian youth. The study's primary ascertained whether households with drug misuse addicts have any notable financial expenses and whether their communities are impacted in any other way. Additionally, it looked into the potential benefits of counseling for substance abusers and their families. The descriptive survey method was utilized in the study's design. 600 parents of young addicts from diverse, multicultural neighborhoods throughout six Nigerian states comprised the sample, which was selected at random from among all addict parents. The validated Juvenile Substance Abuse and Addiction Economic Cost Consequences on Households and Communities Questionnaire (JSAAECCHCQ) was used to ask the respondents pertinent questions. A t-test and the mean were used to assess the gathered data. The results showed that the majority of parents of juvenile addicts and substance abusers faced statistically significant financial consequences as a result. The study also illustrated how drug addiction and abuse affect communities financially and in other ways. In light of the results, recommendations were made to aid many affected parents and their communities by lowering drug use and addiction among youth.