Impact of drug abuse on mental health of secondary school students in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

This study investigated the impact of drug abuse on the mental health of secondary school students in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design. Simple random sampling was used to select six (6) public secondary schools in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. Data was collected using a questionnaire tested for validity and reliability. Data analysis involved mean, standard deviation, and t-test statistics at a 0.05 significance level. The study examines prevalent types of drugs among secondary school students, the impact of drug abuse on mental health, and gender differences in drug abuse among secondary school students. Findings indicate that the study identified several prevalent types of drug abuse among secondary school students in Abakaliki. The study revealed that a significant relationship exists between drug abuse and the mental health of secondary school students in Abakaliki. The study further revealed that male students engage in drug abuse more than female students in secondary school in Abakaliki. The study, therefore, recommended that adequate and proper sensitization programs should be put in place to educate the students on the dangers of drug abuse and its effects on the socio-economic development of society. This can be done with the help of religious organizations, civil societies, as well as government agencies. Deliberate efforts should be made to encourage family life and proper parental guidance in society.