METHAMPHETAMINE USE IN A SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA COMMUNITY: A PERSPECTIVE FROM ADOLESCENT FRIENDSHIP CLIQUES

Abstract

This research examined the use of methamphetamine in two separate groups of adolescents. Study 1 employed cross-sectional design to collect data from 146 nondescript adolescents (Mean age = 15.06 years; SD = 6.86) attending a psycho-education workshop. Study 2 utilized the linear snowball sampling technique to select 14 respondents, who are members of adolescent friendship cliques. Cross-sectional design was then used to collect data from those respondents (age range = 16-17 years). In addition, qualitative procedure was used to interview the 14 respondents about the community-based cane deliverance and shaming procedure. Result of Study 1 showed that the use of methamphetamine was not common among nondescript adolescents; 93.84% of the adolescents reported they have never used methamphetamine. In contrast, the use of methamphetamine was rampant among members of adolescent friendship cliques. All the respondents had used the substance. Perspectives of members of adolescent friendship cliques about the community-based methamphetamine-reduction approach were heterogeneous; while some respondents supported the procedure, some others were against it. The research concluded that members of adolescent friendship cliques use methamphetamine much more than ordinary (nondescript) adolescents that are not members of any adolescent friendship clique.   Keywords: Adolescent friendship cliques; Cane deliverance and shaming; Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD); ‘Mkpuru-mmiri;’ and Psycho-education workshop