Effects of Family Environment on Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Kiambu County, Kenya
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Date
2023-07
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Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
In Kenya, drug and substance abuse is on the rise, with more dangerous opiates like heroin replacing alcohol and cigarettes. Children who have been exposed to drugs or alcohol are particularly vulnerable. Policies have been pushed through programs on relationships, parenting abilities, and dialogues, as well as alcohol and drug misuse education yet the burden of drug abuse still weighs on Kiambu. The objectives of the study were: To analyse family factors that initiate the use of alcohol and drug abuse in Juja Subcounty, Kiambu, to evaluate family controlling measure on alcohol and drug abuse, to examine the role of the family in rehabilitation of alcohol and drug users in Juja Subcounty and to assess factors preventing relapse among alcohol and drug users in Juja Subcounty, Kenya. The research was anchored in Social Control Theory. A descriptive research design was adopted. A pilot study was carried out using 30 respondents from Thika town who were not involved in the final study. The research targeted 104,301 households in Juja subcounty. The Yamane formula was utilized in determination of sample size. The snowball sampling technique was used to select participants. The data was gathered using structured questionnaires. The quantitative data gathered was analysed descriptively and inferentially with aid from the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The qualitative data were analysed through themes and presented in narrative form. The analysed quantitative data was displayed in frequency tables, pie-charts, and bar graphs. Research permit was sought from Kenyatta University and National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation. The information provided was kept confidentially and respondents remained anonymous. Based on the knowledge of the study's objectives, informed consent was requested. To avoid repetition, the obtained data was kept in a secured file. The findings established that favourable parental attitudes towards alcoholism lead to drug and alcohol abuse. The history of family drug abuse and marital conflict contribute to drug and alcohol abuse. The findings also revealed mass media increases alcohol and drug awareness and keeping away individual from the drug-using peers decreases drug and alcohol use problem. The results show that family members motivate a person to change their behaviour and also family members provide professional speakers to enhance the recovery process. Engaging in professional treatment programs, such as inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation, therapy, or counselling provide individuals with the necessary tools and strategies to manage their addiction. The study concludes that there is substantial impact of family environment on an individual's susceptibility to alcohol and drug abuse. Factors such as parental substance use, family cohesion, communication, and parenting styles play pivotal roles in shaping an individual's risk or resilience to substance abuse. The family environment plays a significant role in shaping an individual's risk of alcohol and drug abuse. The study recommends maintainance of open and non-judgmental communication within the family members about the risks and consequences of alcohol and drug use. Encouraging them to share their concerns and experiences in relation to alcohol and drug abuse. Policy interventions that are family oriented will be pivotal in mitigating alcohol and drug use.
Description
A Research Project Submitted In Partial Fulfilment for the Award of a Masters Degree in Public Policy & Administration, Kenyatta University, October, 2023
Supervisors
Heather E.Kipchumba