Methamphetamine Use and its Associated Psycho Socio/Economic Impact: The Need for Drug Education

Abstract

Methamphetamine (MA) is a powerful and addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. MA use/abuse among adolescents and adults has become a significant social and public health concern globally. However, despite the increased knowledge and awareness of methamphetamine use among the population, research is still sparse on the psycho social impact of MA use. This paper examines the methamphetamine use/abuse and its associated psycho social/economic impact among adolescents and adults in Nigeria. The paper focused on methamphetamine use among adolescents/adults, the psycho social/economic impact and the role of health education intervention. Based on the review, the paper recommended among others that Government through its policies should ensure that jobs are created, social services are rendered, and above all, its policies should be feasible and capable of implementation. Moreover, individuals, families, communities, and the entire society should ensure that moral values are inculcated in the youths. This will help governments in the fight against the menace. Further, the Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) should encourage the sensitization campaigns against drug abuse/abuse among adolescents and adult as well as engage them in the rehabilitation programs.