Abstract:


Background : Drugs have been abused for hundreds of years all over the world, their effects have been felt for a long time, especially among individuals abusing the drugs, society and close relatives of the victims who are using drugs. Since drugs have been used, there were always those who abused them which led to full blown drug addiction, drug dependence and heavy side effects especially psychosis (mental illness). Most people use drugs to make them feel relaxed, stimulated and euphoric (17). The number of drugs addicts who seek treatment at drug rehabilitation centers in Tanzania has increased to 200,000 in 2011. The drug control commission report (2011) states that the actual number of drugs addicts is estimated to be at between 150,000 and 500,000 nationwide.

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine and assess the risk factors, socioeconomic effects and possible preventive measures of drug abuse in Nyamagana District.

Methodology: This study will be done in descriptive cross sectional study design and will be conducted from January to February 2017 dwellers and residents of Nyamagana District, including relative of the victims abusing drugs i.e. parents, uncles, aunts and guardians. Self-administered questionnaire will be used to collect information. SPSS for windows software (v 20.0) was used for data entry and analysis.