Assessing the factors contributing to drug use and their implications for university students' academic and social lives in Pakistan

Abstract

This study looks at the root causes of drug usage among Pakistani university students in Lahore and assesses the effects it has on their social and academic lives. The study also attempts to determine risk factors for drug abuse and provide suggestions for successful intervention techniques. Four public universities in Lahore received a total of 250 questionnaires, of which 207 completed responses were analyzed. Data was collected through a survey questionnaire administered both online and on paper. The analysis was conducted using SPSS, focusing on specialized tables, cross-tabulations, and descriptive statistics. The substances most frequently misused included prescription medications, tobacco, and marijuana. Key risk factors identified were curiosity, peer pressure, stress management, and the belief that drugs enhance social life. Curiosity emerged as the primary reason for initiating drug use across all types. Peer influence played a significant role in the misuse of cocaine, marijuana, and tobacco, while stress relief was a major factor in the misuse of prescription medications. Drug use was found to negatively impact academic performance, with individuals reporting challenges in completing tasks, lower attendance, and reduced concentration. Additionally, drug use strained relationships with non-users, resulting in decreased interactions and heightened discomfort among non-users in social settings.