THE CORRELATION BETWEEN ILLEGAL DRUG USE AMONG YOUTH UNDER 18 YEARS AND EARLY ONSET OF MENTAL ILLNESS

ABSTRACT

Illegal drug use among youth under the age of 18 can have serious consequences for their mental health. Studies have shown that early drug use can increase the risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that adolescents who used drugs were more likely to experience mental health problems later in life, drug use at an early age can also affect brain development, which can lead to long-term cognitive and emotional problems. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), drug use during adolescence can disrupt the development of brain regions involved in decision-making, impulse control, and reward processing, leading to an increased risk of addiction and other negative outcomes.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title Page---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- vi

Declaration-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- vi

Certification------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ vi

Dedication------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- vi

 Acknowledgement-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------v

Table of Content----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- vi

Abstract-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- vi

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION-------------------------------------------------------------------------------1

1.2 Statement of the problem-----------------------------------------------------------------------2

1.3 Justification---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2

1.4 Aim and Objective-------------------------------------------------------------------------------2

1.5 Scope and Limitation----------------------------------------------------------------------------3

1.6 Research Question-------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

CHAPTER TWO

2.1 Literature Review--------------------------------------------------------------------------------5

2.2 Commonly Abused Substances among Youth-----------------------------------------------5

2.3 Mental Health Issues Associated with Drug Use--------------------------------------------6

2.4 Existing Research on the Relationship between Drug Use and Mental Illness----------8

2.5 Youth Correlation between Drug Use and Mental Health---------------------------------10

CHAPTER THREE

3.1 Research Design--------------------------------------------------------------------------------11

3.2 Study Area---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12

3.3 Data Collection Method-----------------------------------------------------------------------12

3.3.1 Participant Selection and Requirement---------------------------------------------------12

3.4 Instrument of Data Collection----------------------------------------------------------------13

3.5 Ethical consideration---------------------------------------------------------------------------13

3.6 Result and Analysis----------------------------------------------------------------------------13

3.6.1 Statistical Analysis of Collected Data-----------------------------------------------------13

3.6.2 Identification of Risk Factor----------------------------------------------------------------13

3.6.3 Potential Mechanism Underline------------------------------------------------------------13

3.7 Discussion---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14

3.7.1 Implication of the Finding------------------------------------------------------------------14

3.7.2 Comparison with previous research-------------------------------------------------------14

3.7.3 Limitation of the Study----------------------------------------------------------------------14

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 Presentation and data analysis----------------------------------------------------------------15

4.2 Substantive issues of the research------------------------------------------------------------18

4.3 test of hypothesis-------------------------------------------------------------------------------22

CHAPTER FIVE

5.1 Summary----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25

5.2 conclusion---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25

5.3 Recommendation-------------------------------------------------------------------------------26

REFERENCES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------27

CHAPTEAR ONE

1.1 Introduction

 The use of illegal drugs among youth under 18 years is a pressing issue with far-reaching harmful effects of substance abuse. Research has shown that drug use during this period can have detrimental effects on mental health, potentially leading to the early onset of mental illnesses. Understanding the relationship between illegal drug use and mental illness in youth is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and interventions (Badiani,2021).

Adolescence is a critical period of brain development and vulnerability, making it particularly susceptible to the research study aims to investigate the potential relationship between the illegal use of drugs among individuals under the age of 18 and the early onset of mental illnesses (Degenhardt,.  2016).

 Substance abuse among adolescents and its impact on mental health have become increasingly concerning issues (Fergusson, 2017). By examining existing literature, statistical data, and conducting surveys or interviews, this study seeks to identify patterns, risk factors, and potential mechanisms through which illegal drug use may contribute to the development of mental illnesses at an early age. The findings from this research can help inform prevention strategies, educational programs, and policy interventions aimed at reducing drug abuse and mitigating the risk of mental health problems among young individuals.

Keywords: illegal drug use, youth, mental illness, early onset, risk factors, prevention strategies

1.2 Statement of Problem:

The prevalence of illegal drug use among youth under 18 years of age is a growing concern, and it is imperative to understand its potential impact on their mental health. The statement of the problem for this research project revolves around the correlation between illegal drug use and the early onset of mental illness among adolescents.

1.3 Justification

The justification for this research project lies in its potential to shed light on the relationship between illegal drug use and early-onset mental illness among youth. By investigating this correlation, the research aims to provide valuable insights into risk factors, preventive measures, and intervention strategies to safeguard the mental health and well-being of young individuals. The outcomes of this study can influence public health.

1.4 Aim and Objectives

1.4.1 Aims

The aim of this research project is to investigate the correlation between illegal drug use among youth under 18 years of age and the early onset of mental illness. The study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential relationship between these two phenomena, considering both the risk factors associated with drug use and the implications for mental health in the adolescent population

1.4.2 Objectives

•         To examine the prevalence and trends of illegal drug use among youth under 18 years.

•         To identify commonly abused substances among this population.

•         To explore the mental health issues associated with drug use in adolescence.

•         To investigate the existing research on the relationship between drug use and early onset of mental illness in youth.

•         To analyze collected data to identify risk factors and potential mechanisms underlying the correlation between drug use and mental illness.

•         To provide recommendations for prevention strategies and future research.

1.5  Scope And Limitation

1.5.1 Scope

The Scope of this research project will focus on investigating the correlation between illegal drug use among youth under 18 years of age and the early onset of mental illness. The study will encompass a diverse sample of adolescents from different geographical locations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and cultural contexts to ensure a comprehensive representation of the target population.

1.5.2 Limitation

Self-Reporting Bias: One of the primary limitations of this research is the potential for self-reporting bias in surveys and interviews. Adolescents may be hesitant to admit to engaging in illegal drug use due to social desirability bias or fear of repercussions.

Cross-Sectional Design: The study's cross-sectional design may limit in youth in sabuwar Gwaram, Gwaram local government Jigawa state the ability to establish a causal relationship between drug use and mental health outcomes. Longitudinal studies would be ideal to better understand the temporal relationship between these variables.

1.6 Research Question

1. Does illegal drug use among adolescents under 18 years old contribute to the early onset of mental illnesses, and if so, what are the underlying factors that may explain this relationship?"

2. What is the extent of correlation between the use of illegal drugs among individuals under 18 years old and the occurrence of early onset mental illness?"

3. Is there a statistically significant association between the frequency of illegal drug usage among youths under 18 years old and the increased risk of experiencing early onset mental health disorders?"

4. To what extent does the involvement in illegal drug use by individuals below 18 years old relate to the occurrence of mental illnesses at a young age?

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