Patterns of Substance Abuse among Cadets in Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State

Abstract

The study examined patterns of substance abuse among Cadets in Nigeria Police Academy located in Wudil, Kano State. The objectives were to find out the predisposing factors of substance abuse, commonly abused substances, methods of abuse and the consequences of substance abuse by the Cadets. The gateway theory, Social learning theory and Availability–Proneness theory provided guide to the study. The study employed the snowball sampling technique to gather information from Cadet substance abusers. A questionnaire was used to gather information from the Cadets while purposive sampling technique was used to solicit qualitative information from Police officers and lecturers in the academy. The data generated were presented with frequency and percentage tables and the in-depth interview was analyzed through constant comparative technique. Findings indicate that the predisposing factors of substance abuse among the Cadets are  to reduce stress, to be social, peer influence and curiosity;  the commonest substance/drug abused by the Cadets are alcohol, cough syrup, marijuana and tramadol. The male Cadets abuse substances more than the female Cadets. The major sources of substances abused are commercial motor cycle riders (Okada), Academy clinic and commandant market. The study also revealed that substance abuse affects Cadet’s health, academic performance; discipline and relationship with fellow cadets and other members of the academy community. Based on the findings, the use of K9 sniffing dogs on Cadets, periodic checking in the hostels, constant drug test without notice and provision of guidance and counselling services to the Cadets among others were recommended.