Effects of the Use of Illicit Brews and Substance Abuse Among Youth in Africa: a Case Study of Kenya

Abstract

use of illicit brews and substance abuse among the youth in Africa does not only pose a challenge to the continent’s social, economic, political and health progress but also threaten national,regional and continental peace and security. In Kenya the impacts are reflected in an overburdened judicial system, a strained health care system, lost productivity and environmental destruction. The prevalence of the use of illicit alcohol and substance abuse among youth not only effects the individual users and abusers but also their families and society at large. These effects include neglect of responsibilities, increased trends in criminal activities including organized criminal gangs,violent crimes and international drug trafficking, interpersonal violence, diminished attachment to family and others, impaired self-regulation and problem solving, decreased development of pro social attitudes and behavior and health impairment including mental disorders, reduced life expectancy among the users and abusers. Studies show a death rate of 2.5 times higher than the normal among the users and abusers. These rates are highest among young adults aged 18 to 35 years.Youth in this age bracket constitute about 60% of the total Kenya’s national population hence being the most vulnerable group. The study looked at existing stragtegies and make recommendations on the measures to control the use of illicit brews and substance abuse among the youth since this problem is a threat to Kenya’s peace and security and also impacts the country’s social,economic and political competitiveness at all levels. In its analysis the study used Modified Social Stress Model as its theoritical tool.This research used a descriptive survey research design to assess and evaluate the effects of the use of illicit brews and substance abuse, especially among youth in Kenya. For triangulation purposes, the thesis would use a mixed-method methodology research method that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis procedures. Qualitative research was critical in assessing youth perceptions, beliefs, awareness, and insights about the emotions, motivations, and motives for using illicit brews and illegal drugs. It was possible to quantify the effect on the use of illicit brews and illegal drugs among Kenyan youth through quantitative analysis. The study found that the use of illicit alcohol and substance abuse in Africa has significant effects on the youth. These effects need to be addressed and therefore more research required to provide more data that informed effective national, regional and continental measures to control and contain the effects. The study discovered a close connection between use of illicit brews and substance abuse among youth in Kenya and drug trafficking which have serious impacts on the security. The study found that despite various measures taken by government and other stakeholders to prevent and control use of illicit alcohol and substance abuse among youth in Kenya, the problem is on the increase. Therefore a research should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of these intervention measures by government and other stakeholders to control and prevent the use and abuse of illicit alcohol and drugs.