LEVEL OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AMONG YOUTHS OF RUMUEKPE COMMUNITY IN EMOUHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, RIVERS STATE.

ABSTRACT This study examined the Level of Substance use Disorders among Youths of Rumuekpe Community in Emouha LGA, Rivers State. The sample for this study included 155 respondents. The instrument used was an adapted instrument called Substance Use Assessment Scale (SUAS)) .The theories that underpins this study were self-derogation ( Kaplan ,1975) and Life course Theory (Glen Elder,1994). The result of the first objective was that the awareness level of substance of abuse availability was high (95.5%). The result of the second objective was that use of alcohol (mean score 4.0), methamphetamine ( mean score 3.5) and marijuana (mean score 3.5) is very high among students of Community Secondary School Rumeukpe. The result of the third objectives shows common substance use disorder identified among the students such as drug addiction (mean score of 4.0), drug dependence (mean score of 3.5), economic problem (mean score 3.5), social problem (3.5), academic problem (3.5).It was therefore recommended that health education on the effects of substance use should be employed on the youths and community at large. Also early identification and prompt treatment of those with substance use disorder.This study highlights gaps on substance abuse enlightenment programs and education in rural communities and schools. Majority of the respondents have little or no ideal on the effects of abusing substances like methamphetamine and marijuana.