Abstract:
Background: Increasing substance abuse and its impact is a worldwide public
health concern. Young peoples are more vulnerable due to curiosity, peer group
influence and availability of substances.
Aim and Objective: The present study aims to explore the perception of youth
substance abuser‟s regarding substance abuse and its associated factors. The
objectives are to explore the reasons of substance abuse, to explore the
experiences of being introduced with substance and to explore the challenges to
recovery from the situation.
Methods: An in-depth qualitative interview which was flexible, non-directive,
and semi-structured was employed. There were 10 substance abusers being
selected from the Bangladesh Rehabilitation and Assistance Centre for Addicts
(BARACA) for interview. Purposive sampling was used to select the
participants.
Results/Findings: Result indicated that curiosity was the main reason to abuse
substance and mainly friends influence to abuse the substance. Beside this the
abusers face different type of physical, mental and social problems during
getting recovery from the substance abuse.
Conclusion: Continuing use of substances reflected lack of health
consciousness and need of proper health education to young generation. It is
also needed to strengthen family and social values and religious ethics in order
to maintain a stable and substance free society.
Key words: Substance abuse, Youth substance abuser, Perception
Description:
This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Occupational therapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
