Perception of Youth about Substance Abuse: The Case of Ghanaian Youth on Alcohol Usage

Abstract

Substance abuse, namely alcohol abuse, has been one of the primary concerns of governments and public health professionals across the globe. Abuse, whether physical, emotional, or social, is a worldwide epidemic that can be defined as the intentional infliction of misery on another individual. To accomplish this objective, a systematic review methodology was employed. The type of systematic review used was the rapid review, which draws new conclusions from extant research documents and data. The primary purpose of this paper is to investigate the views of young Ghanaians on substance abuse, specifically alcohol abuse. The majority of Ghanaian adolescents abuse alcohol for a variety of reasons, according to this study. Using perspectives from psychology, sociology, economics, medicine, culture, and sexuality, the youth characterised drinking as a coping mechanism for numerous negative emotions, such as stress, anxiety, melancholy, difficulties, broken relationships, low self-esteem, and excitement. This study indicates that a comprehensive strategy that includes restrictions on marketing alcohol to children, increased police presence to reduce alcohol-related car accidents, more accessible counselling for patients with problematic drinking habits, and stricter pricing policies for the cheapest varieties of alcohol would have the greatest impact on preventing alcohol abuse.