FIGHTING DRUG ABUSE WITH INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION – THE PRE-REQUISITES

Abstract

In contemporary Nigerian society, drug abuse among has assumed an alarming dimension, especially among the youth. Although the phenomenon is a global issue, yet the recently discovered chemical substance, methamphetamine, and the rate at which Nigerian youth indulge in taking it has placed Nigeria at a high risk. It therefore becomes imperative to wage war against this deadly social vice, hence the need for the application of interpersonal communication approach. This is premised against the background that drug abuse is an environmental and community related issue and therefore needs a personal approach. The study is anchored on the Behavioural Change Communication Model (BCCM) and the theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)/Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB); aimed at finding out the interpersonal factors responsible for drug abuse among youth and the condition sine quo none for addressing the issue with interpersonal communication, this study adopted a phenomenological approach of semi-structured in-depth interviews, using the people of Ozubulu, in Ekwusigo Local Government Area in Anambra State. Result showed that there is significant relationship between interpersonal communication and health education.