Changing Patterns of Substance Consumption Among Females in Nigeria: An Exploration of Contributing Factors and Consequences

Abstract

The study investigates the changing patterns of substance consumption among females in Nigeria to explore the contributing factors and consequences. It also examines the commonly abused substances among female youths, both locally and industrially processed, as well as the means of accessing these substances, the predisposing factors, the effects of substance abuse on female youths, and the challenges law enforcement agencies face in curtailing female substance abuse. The study adopts Merton’s structural-strain theory and Sutherland’s differential association theory. The findings reveal that pharmaceutical drugs such as cough syrups containing codeine, Roche, Rafenol, Tramadol, Emzol-5 tablets, cigarettes, and alcohol are commonly abused by female youths. Additionally, local substances such as Indian hemp, Babba juji, Giyan duma, Giyna makarho, Ogogoro, Burutu, and lizard excreta are also abused, though to a minimal degree. The study further reveals that many of these substances are obtained from patent medicine shops and other dealers in town. Moreover, it identifies several predisposing factors contributing to female youths' involvement in substance abuse to include peer group influence, poor parental control, life frustration, proximity to locations where substances are sold and abused, betrayal by boyfriends, government failure to address the issue, and the insincerity and corruption of law enforcement officials. The study recommends that addressing the menace of substance abuse requires collective efforts from the government, civil society organizations, NGOs, FBOs, parents, guardians, and other members of society.