Sampled results of an ongoing social survey in parts of Nakuru County by an international Non-Governmental Organisation shows that social–economic strains are the chief cause of drug and alcohol abuse among youths.
The survey is aimed at establishing the level of drug and alcohol abuse in the in Nakuru County as a case study.
Chief field officer of the survey Paul Mwai, While talking to this writer on Saturday in Free Area Estate while leading his team in a data collection exercise, said that sample results indicate that majority of local young adults are driven into drugs and alcohol consumption and addiction due to a myriad of socio-economic challenges.
He observed that many of the respondents argued that they get tempted to consume alcohol or drugs to fend off frustrations caused by pressures in life. These include unemployment, poverty, diseases, broken families and disabilities.
Most youths in Kenya are faced with a myriad of socio-economic challenges that they have no immediate or natural control over. Unfortunately many tend to hide under the mask of drug and alcohol abuse, which is equally a risky venture.
He said the survey that is being sponsored and managed by Better Future for Needy People NGO will help generate significant data and information for local policy makers and stakeholders in the health, economic and social planning.