Youth Drug Abusers: Barriers in Help-Seeking

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue XI, November 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Youth Drug Abusers: Barriers in Help-Seeking

Joan J. J. Sim, Kamsiah Bt Ali
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

Abstract: The trend of drug abuse is increasing in Malaysia and a significant number of them are youths. Past studies discover that youths do not seek professional help or do not even seek help when they are abusing drugs. Thus, it is important to understand the reason behind them. This is crucial as drug abusers are always hiding their identity. The study aims to identify the barriers which keep the youth away from seeking help. Methodologically, the study employs qualitative approach to have in-depth understanding about the barriers faced by the young drug addicts in seeking help for treatment. The study is carried out in a drugs rehabilitation centre in Kuching area targeting the youths who are currently undergoing treatment in the centre. Majority of them are not admitted voluntarily. The sampling is identified using purposive technique. Instruments used for the study includes in-depth interview by using guided interview questions. The findings are analysed using content analysis to develop themes through the verbatim data. The study enquires about their experiences on drug abuse and their journey to the rehabilitation centre. Thus, the major finding indicates the barriers faced by them during the journey. Most of the respondents never had the intention to seek help until the family members took action. They had made drugs abuse behavior as part of their youth culture. Majority of the respondents are lack of awareness on the existing help system and concern on the legal action if they expose themselves. The findings of the study have implications on the community with the drug abusing youth in prevention and recovery policy.

Keywords: Drug abuse, youth, help-seeking, barrier, treatment

I.INTRODUCTION

According to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2019), the drug problem is becoming viral globally and it is worrying as there is an estimated 271 million people of the global population had abused drugs. The World Drug Report states that there is more than one drug abuser in every 10 drug users (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2015). In year 2018, South-East Asia arises as the fastest growing market of methamphetamine in the world. Most countries from South-East Asia which includes Malaysia had reported methamphetamine as main concern in drugs

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