Lived Experiences of Drug Addicted Youths in the Care of Yemeleketegnal Rehabilitation Centre
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Date
2025-11-01
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
Drug abuse among the youths has emerged as a major public health and social concern globally, with internationally reports indicate an increase in the number of young people engaging in harmful substances. In Ethiopia reflects similar trends particularly in urban areas where rapid social economic transitions, unemployment, and easy access to psychoactive substances increase youth vulnerability. Even if Drug abuse is a major public health concern; a gap exists in comprehending the underlying reasons and extent of the problem on the ground and considering the lived experiences of drug- addicted youths from their perspective in Ethiopia. The study aimed to illuminate the lived experiences of drug- addicted youths in a Rehabilitation Centre. A qualitative research design was employed, using phenomenological approach to capture the subjective experiences of the participant addicted to drug abuse in Yemeleketegnal Rehabilitation Centre. The researcher conducted the interviews using an interview guide to conduct an in-depth interview. Data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English.thematic analysis was used to interpret the data, leading to the identification of core themes that reflect the emotional and social dimension of rehabilitation process. The results revealed that reasons related to social and environmental factors, peer influence at the centre, management of stress and energy stimulants were the primary factors involved in the initiation of youths into substance abuse. In addition to that, the knowledge gap on the risks of the substance, easy access to substances and unemployment influenced them to abuse drugs consistently. Other reasons were examined in the initiation of youths into drug use. Hence, multiple interventions are recommended to address multifaceted problems.
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Keywords
drug abuse, youth, lived experience, rehabilitation