www.ejpmr.com │ Vol 12, Issue 8, 2025. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ Emesowum et al. European Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research 271 PREVALENCE AND PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUTHS IN OWERRI-EBIRI COMMUNITY ORLU LOCAL GOVERNMENT IMO STATE Anthonia Chinwendu Emesowum 1 , Festa Chinonye Onyekwuo 1 , Clementina Ezenwuba 1 , Oliva Nwagbo 1 , Nkeiruka Okoroafor 1 , Nancy Obi 1 and Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu* 2 1 Department of Nursing Science Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. 2 Haematology, Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe. Article Received on 03/06/2025 Article Revised on 24/06/2025 Article Accepted on 14/07/2025 INTRODUCTION Drug abuse remains a significant and escalating challenge in both developing and underdeveloped countries, with far-reaching health, social, and economic consequences. In many African nations, including Nigeria, drug and medication abuse threaten the wellbeing of youths—the most vibrant segment of the population—by undermining their health, educational goals, and societal roles. According to the African Sisters Education Collaboration (2024), approximately 350,000 people die annually across developing African countries due to alcohol and drug abuse. Cameroon records the highest mortality rate due to drug disorders among ASEC countries (3.21 per 100,000), while Ghana has witnessed a disturbing rise in drug use disorders from 0.89 per 100,000 in 2000 to 2.72 per 100,000 in 2017. In Nigeria, the scale of the problem is even more staggering. The National Bureau of Statistics (2018) estimated the prevalence of drug use at 14.4%, translating to over 14 million Nigerians aged 15–64 years—nearly three times the global average of 5.6% (UNODC, 2016). Young adults between the ages of 25– 39 represent the most affected age group, with males accounting for the majority of users. However, gender gaps are less significant when it comes to the misuse of prescription opioids, cough syrups, and tranquilizers. The most frequently abused substances in Nigeria include cannabis, codeine, amphetamines, heroin, cocaine, diazepam, and various cough syrups. Cannabis ranks highest in usage, with a general public prevalence of 10.8%, rising to 22.7% among adolescents aged 25 years and younger. Among secondary school students, cannabis abuse has a pooled prevalence of 12.5%. Cocaine use ranges from 0.1–0.6% in the general population, 0.6–10% among undergraduates, and 16– 48% among secondary school students. Codeine is another commonly abused drug, with a prevalence of SJIF Impact Factor 7.065 EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL RESEARCH \www.ejpmr.com Research Article ISSN (O): 2394-3211 ISSN (P): 3051-2573 ejpmr, 2025, 12(8), 271-277 ABSTRACT Drug abuse among youths remains a growing concern in many Nigerian communities, with implications for individual health, social stability, and public safety. This study investigated the prevalence and perceived effects of drug abuse among youths in Owerri-Ebiri, a community in Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured questionnaires administered to youths in the community. Data on demographics, drug use patterns, and perceived community impacts were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Table 1 revealed that the most prevalent age group among respondents was 20 –25 years (33%), followed by 31–35 years (23.6%) and 26–30 years (20%). Few respondents were over 35 years (17.1%) or under 20 years (5.5%). A majority (77.1%) were single, and most (67.6%) had attained tertiary education. Unemployment (32.4%) and student status (29.8%) were the most common occupational categories. Figure 3 showed a high prevalence of drug abuse, with 68% admitting to using drugs not prescribed by a physician. Table 2 revealed that 41.4% of drug users consumed substances occasionally, 25.8% monthly, and 14% daily. Table 3 identified alcohol (36.4%) and marijuana (21.1%) as the most commonly abused substances, while methamphetamine (4.4%) and cocaine (3.6%) were least reported. Table 4 showed that drug abuse was perceived to cause significant health problems such as mental illness (40.7%), increased crime (16%), and family conflicts (15.6%), alongside academic decline, social withdrawal, and poverty. The study demonstrates a high prevalence of drug abuse among youths in Owerri-Ebiri, with serious health and social consequences. Targeted interventions such as community education, youth empowerment programs, and stricter control of substance availability are urgently needed to curb this growing menace. KEYWORDS: Drug abuse, youth, prevalence, Owerri-Ebiri, substance use, community impact. *Corresponding Author: Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu Haematology, Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe.