a) Mass Media.
Alcohol and cigarette commercials are an integral part of prime time television advertisements in Kenya. These advertisements use tempting and appealing language. Even advertisements that should discourage students from drug abuse such as episodes in 'Kunywa zaidi, teleza zaidi1 ("drink more, slip more implying that the more one drinks, the more likely he/she is to make mistakes/errors of judgment, some of which are fatal are portrayed in a humorous way and thus attract more students to drugs. Since most students spend a lot of time watching television, it is inevitable that attitudes towards drinking and smoking: are reinforced. Some students also copy role models such as musicians from developed countries who, though successful, are known to be drug 'abusers.
b) Peer Influence.
Many students get into drug use and later drug abuse as a way of signifying to themselves and peers that they are mature, independent and can fit in any social group. The need to conform to the group results in some conformity to acts such as drug abuse (Plant and Plant, 1995). This seems to confirm the Cultural Transmission Theory that drug abuse is a behaviour learned through interaction with others. However, this view has been opposed by Coggans and Mckellar(1994). According to them, the assumption that overt peer pressure is a significant factor in drug abuse is neither proven nor reliable since drugs are more likely to be offered to youths by family friends and relatives than by peers.
b) Ignorance.
Most students are ignorant about the side effects of drugs. Coupled with ignorance is deception. These are powerful weapons used to lure students into drug use. Uncontrolled indulgence in social activities like discos and parties becomes pathways for students to share and he orientated into drug use. Many venture into drug use as an experiment but get addicted. Some parents are also ignorant about drugs and their effects. They are, therefore, unable to discuss the dangers of drug abuse with their children.
d) Curiosity.
Some students get hooked on drugs due to curiosity. Many youths are curious about how people feel when they arc 'high* on drugs. This leads them to experiment. The first test and its effect greatly determine whether one will continue using the drug or ignore it A student may venture into drugs after seeing a teacher or a respectable person indulging.
e) Cultural Practices.
After initiation rites, particularly circumcision, many youths assume they are adults. They feel that they are free to do as they wish, Alcohol consumption is one way in which these young initiates think society will recognize their freedom and maturity. Society allows initiates to think and act as adults. Among the Kalenjin, one can be allowed to sniff tobacco after initiation. It is at this time that some youths start taking drugs for trial.
However, many become hooked.
f) Breakdown of Family Unit.
Many of today's youths must cope with stressful challenges than their counterparts a few generations ago. While in the traditional set up youths had grandparents, uncles and aunts to talk to, today's youth must make do with weak and/or non-existent extended family bonds. Migration to urban centres is largely responsible for this state of affairs. There is also a breakdown of family values. Most parents are too busy pursuing material acquisitions. They have little or no quality time for their children. Without the benefit of experience, unstable families and stressful conditions, many youths specifically students turn to drugs for solace (Chowdhury, 1995). Many modern families have made their children very idle since house helps carry out all the chores. The youngsters get bored and look for excitement elsewhere. Quite often, drugs become the option.
g) Stressful Environment.
For most students, life after completing school is bleak. Unemployment is a reality, particularly for those who are not very bright or those undertaking courses considered uncompetitive. This intense uncertainty about the future has led some students to indulgence in drugs. Violence, hostility and escalating crime have resulted in anxiety and depression even among students. Drug taking is seen as an escape from all these since it helps reduce anxiety and tension and generates courage and determination (Irura, 1994). Some young people use drugs to assuage :anger, stress, anxiety, fear, boredom and depression. Such behaviour is in agreement with the Structural-Strain Theory. Based on this theory, society expects that after completing school, students will contribute to national development. Yet there are limited employment opportunities. Some students who feel neglected by parents and the community develop self rejection and develop the idea that they are social misfits. They develop high levels of stress. To vent their anger, many indulge in drug abuse and indiscipline.
h) Easy-Access to Drugs.
Drug peddlers target students because they are a sure supply market, particularly those from rich families. According to the World Health Organization (1987), exposure plays a crucial role in drug abuse. Students may be exposed to drugs by-parents, teachers, friends and other members of society. Some students are born in areas where there is a lot ';; of drug taking. They are likely to pick up the habit.
i) Laxity in Institutional Management and Lack of Role Models Some school/college administrators lack administrative skills for curbing drug abuse. For instance, some teachers, parents and member of the community smoke openly in front of students. Such behaviour is likely to change the perception of students towards smoking. Some end ; up emulating their role models.
j) Permissiveness.
There is lack of social control mechanisms or their enforcement. There is a general carefree attitude in society. Children have taken advantage of this to engage in actions like drug use.
francis1897 answered the question on August 22, 2022 at 13:40