SUBSTANCE ABUSE, YOUTH BEHAVIOR, AND THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTION IN URBAN COMMUNITIES OF RIVERS STATE
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between substance abuse, youth behavior, and social work interventions in urban communities of Rivers State. Substance abuse, particularly involving alcohol, tramadol, methamphetamine, and codeine, has been identified as a major contributor to delinquency, poor academic performance, aggression, and risky sexual behaviors among adolescents and young adults. Peer pressure, family instability, unemployment, and exposure to drug-prone neighborhoods further exacerbate youths’ vulnerability, highlighting the interactive influence of environmental and social factors on behavioral outcomes. Guided by Social Learning Theory, which emphasizes observational learning, imitation, and reinforcement, the study employed a qualitative approach using secondary sources such as scholarly articles, government reports, policy documents, and institutional publications. Data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis to identify patterns, themes, and conceptual linkages between substance use and behavioral problems. Findings revealed that substance abuse is reinforced through peer modeling and environmental exposure, while social work interventions including counseling, rehabilitation, community awareness campaigns, and family support mechanisms significantly reduce substance dependence and promote positive behavioral change. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening family engagement programs, enhancing access to counseling and rehabilitation services, implementing community-based awareness initiatives, and addressing socio-economic risk factors such as youth unemployment and lack of recreational opportunities
This article is available as a PDF download
Published in JOURNAL OF SOCIAL & POLICY RESEARCH
ISSN: 2446-7343
This article appears in our peer-reviewed academic journal
View JournalRelated Articles
Explore similar research in our collection
A STUDY ON SEMANTIC IMPLICATIONS OF MORPHOLOGICAL INTRAFERENCE AMONGST EDUCATED SPEAKERS OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN PORT HARCOURT
Cyrus, Smart Eziwho, Effiong Emmanuel Emile
Mar 9, 2026
This work examined semantic implications of morphological intraference among educated speakers of th...
View ArticleUNRAVELLING THE NEXUS: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS ON CORRUPTION AND INEQUALITY IN NIGERIA 1999 – 2025
Prof. SALIHU SANUSI AVIDIME PhD, YUSUF S. AJOGE
Jan 17, 2026
Corruption and inequality are perennial challenges facing Nigeria’s development since independence...
View ArticleCHILD ABUSE AND ITS IMPACT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OYIBO, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
EKE VERONICA Ph.D., CLIFFORD SOLOMON OPUSUNJU
Jan 9, 2026
Child abuse remains a global concern with profound implications for children’s well-being and educ...
View Article