Determinants and Consequences of Drug Addiction among Youth: A Cross-Sectional Study in Peshawar, Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55737/trt/v-ii.357Keywords:
Drug Addiction, Youth Performance, Peer Pressure, Family Dysfunction, Psychological Factors, Peshawar, PakistanAbstract
Drug addiction among young people is an important public health and social issue in Pakistan. It affects not only drug users but also their families and communities. This study examined the factors associated with drug addiction and their effects on youth performance in District Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 108 male drug users receiving treatment at five hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. Data were collected using a pretested interview schedule with simple random sampling and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests. Most participants were aged 20–25 years (53.7%), and 60.2% had only primary-level education. The findings showed significant relationships between youth performance and several factors. Psychological problems such as anger (p < .001), sleep disturbance (p = .018), and forgetfulness (p < .001) were significantly associated with performance. Peer influence, including being offered drugs by friends and viewing drug use as a social symbol, was also significant (p < .001). Family-related factors, particularly poor parental monitoring (p = .001) and family disputes (p < .001), showed significant associations. Lack of awareness about the health effects of drug use was also significantly related to youth performance (p < .001 to p = .030). The study shows the response to drug addiction. Community, education, and religious institutions, along with strong family follow-up, awareness campaigns, counselling programs, drug rehabilitation centers, effective government policies regarding drug addiction, and non-governmental organizations, play a vital role in reducing drug addiction among youth.
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