PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF SUBSTANCE MISUSE ON INSECURITY IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This work investigated perceived effects of substance misuse on insecurity in Anambra State, Nigeria. Five theories were reviewed namely: Social Control Theory, Differential Association Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, Subcultural Theory, and Social Bond Theory. The Social Cognitive Theory was adopted as the theoretical framework. The study which has three research questions adopted the mixed methods research design, using the multistage sampling procedure in the selection of 400 respondents. The questionnaire and In-Depth Interview (IDI) guide served as instruments for data collection. The quantitative data were coded and processed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Frequency tables were used to analyze, describe and present the quantitative data, while the qualitative data were transcribed manually and analyzed using thematic analysis. Peer pressure was found to be the major factor influencing substance misuse in Anambra State. Also, the problem of unknown gunmen was found to be the major form of crime in Anambra State. Based on the findings of the study, the work recommended that there should be an emphasis on education and awareness campaigns targeting young people about the dangers of substance misuse. The work further recommended that there should be community engagement initiatives to foster dialogue among stakeholders, including parents, educators, law enforcement officials, and healthcare providers, to create a supportive environment for prevention efforts.