PREVALENCE, CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG ADDICTION AMONG REGULAR STUDENTS IN ST MARY UNIVERSITY ADDIS ABABA 2023

Abstract

This research focused on explaining the prevalence, cause and consequences of drug addiction on the academic performance and social relation of st mary university regular students 2023. The research used both qualitative and quantitative research methodology (mixed research approach).Questionnaire was used as quantitative data gathering which include open and close ended questions and was analyzed and interpreted by descriptive statics .qualitative data was collected through key informant interview by preparing semi structured interview guide line and the interview was analyzed by thematic explanation. The sampling techniques that were used in the research are non-probability sampling technique. From it the researchers used purposive and snow ball sampling technique. By using snow ball and purposive sampling total of 42 participants were engaged in the research. The study design that was used in this research is descriptive cross sectional design. The major finding of this study shows that the prevalence rate of drug addiction is approximately high in the university. Most of the addicted students are male, their age is between 22-24, they are 4thyear students and they live with their parents. According to the finding of the study the causes for drug addiction include depression students who are depressed use drugs to dull their pain and want to alter their mood, the easy availability of drugs in the campus and influence of parents and friends who use drugs, peer pressure and other factors like separation from the person they love and feeling hopeful are contributing factors for drug addiction. The consequence of drug addiction on the academic performance of students include missing of class, unable to concentrate and giving less time for study leading to low grades and some students being in warning. The findings of the study shows that having bad relationship with parents and friends, being unable to communicate and have a good relationship with their class mates and lectures, not participating and not even considering to participate in different social events are the consequence of drug addiction in the social relationship of the students. The research recommends establishing rehabilitation centers suitable for young adults, encouraging depressed students to go to psychiatry, taking harsh punishments on students who use drugs and sell drugs inside of the campus, building recreational places around the University for Students to spend time.