Youth abuser’s perception regarding substance abuse and its associated factors: a qualitative study

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