The link between drug use and HIV/AIDS among young people in ...

Like me mother she does tell me brother so much bad things, he does just break down and
do bad things. Miss, our parents always calling us names and thing, I don’t like that;
breaking down our self-esteem.” [females, 14-16, out of school]
Some males on the block emotionally expressed their distress as they reported their perception that
females were receiving greater attention and protection from parents while they were treated as men
and left to fend for themselves.
“We is the boys, all of us here like around 16 and they (parents) have us like big men.
They does give preference to the girls. And they does protect the girls because they could
get pregnant. Miss make sure you show you boys love.” [males, 14-16, out of school]
Lifestyle and addiction
It was stated by five groups that because of its easy accessibility, particularly at home, the habit of
consuming the drug from a tender age and the tendency to progress to stronger alcoholic beverages,
alcohol consumption has become the lifestyle of some young people.
Participants further highlighted that there was an increased tendency for young persons to use alcohol
or marijuana if a family member was using and abusing the drug.
“If you in a home and daddy smoking and mommy smoking you will think that it is
something normal and you can do it too.” [males and females, 20-24, in school]
It was also indicated that some young people use drugs because they believe it is something they need
and thus become addicted.
Popularity
The use of marijuana was associated with popularity. It was reported that young persons used drugs
for image and to make friends.
“Young people mostly use weed, marijuana. Some do it just because they want to be
popular.” [females, 14-16, in school]
To boost self confidence
Four groups attested that alcohol consumption was used to boost self-confidence. In instances where
persons were introverted or somewhat shy at social gatherings, the option was to consume alcohol to
help boost self-confidence and become more socially interactive. In fact, three of these groups were
males between 14-19 years attesting to their personal experiences.
“Like you could express yourself. But when you in your normal state you feeling kinda
shy but when you take alcohol you mind kinda go wild so you just dance and enjoy
yourself better.” [females, 17-19, in school]
The passage of rites to adulthood
It was reported by three male groups from 14-24 years that young persons imitated adults and since it
was perceived that adults were allowed to use drugs, particularly alcohol, some young persons had a
desire to be adults and to engage in adult behavior.
“And it have times you feel like you big, Miss, like you do your own thing. You might go
and drink that alcohol thing, you may just get that adult look … because big people use it
so you will feel that way too.” [males, 14-16, in school]
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