Drug Abuse – Its Consequences and Ways to Tackle It

Abstract

Drug abuse is one of the most serious behavioural and social phenomena threatening the educational, psychological and social fabric of societies, and is among the most prevalent worldwide. This research provides us with a clear picture of the underlying causes leading to the spread of drug abuse, and to assess the extent to which social institutions —such as the family, schools, the media, mosques, clubs and others—are fulfilling their awareness-raising and educational roles to curb the spread of this phenomenon. Despite the prevalence of drug abuse and addiction in our Libyan society, particularly amongst young people, we have not observed any clear or significant effort to tackle it properly within our society. This places society, with all its institutions, before its social and educational responsibilities to curb the spread of this phenomenon. From this perspective, this research focuses on examining the real causes behind the spread of drug use, and the extent to which society, with all its institutions, is fulfilling its role in tackling it. It thereby seeks to answer the following main question: Why is the prevalence of drug use and addiction increasing in our Libyan society? Among the most important recommendations put forward by the research are: – The need to review the legislation governing the fight against drugs, so that it is both a deterrent and fair, and to enact laws that include clear and robust measures to resolve the crisis. - The importance of families and schools playing their key role in socialisation, education and instilling religious and moral values in young people