JOURNAL OF EDUCATION (EKSUJOE)

Impact of Awareness Campaigns on Drug Abuse and Addiction among Secondary School Students in Ethiope East, Delta State

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of awareness campaigns on drug abuse among secondary school students in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Adolescents remain highly vulnerable to substance use, particularly alcohol, cigarettes, tramadol, codeine, and marijuana, which pose risks to their health, academic performance, and future wellbeing. A descriptive survey design was employed, with 370 questionnaires distributed and 358 valid responses analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square, t-tests, and regression at the 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that drug abuse is prevalent in the study area, with alcohol as the most commonly abused substance. School-based awareness campaigns such as seminars, NDLEA sensitizations, and peer education programs proved effective in improving knowledge and shaping negative attitudes toward drug use. However, students’ refusal skills remained only moderate, highlighting a gap between awareness and actual behavioral resilience. Peer influence emerged as a critical factor undermining the gains of awareness campaigns, showing the enduring power of social environments in shaping youth choices. In conclusion, awareness campaigns have significantly increased knowledge and shifted perceptions but remain insufficient in curbing drug abuse without broader contextual supports. The study recommends that interventions extend beyond schools into families, communities, and media platforms, with greater emphasis on skill-building, mentorship, and parental monitoring. A holistic, multi-sectoral approach that addresses peer dynamics, socio-economic realities, and cultural contexts is essential to reduce drug abuse and safeguard the future of adolescents in Ethiope East.