Abstract
The current study explores the rate at which members of Lagos’ “area boys” engage in drug and alcohol use, and determines
the predictive roles of parental and neighbourhood characteristics in the gang patterns of psychoactive substance misuse behaviour.
The study approached gang members (N = 129) aged from 18 to 38 years (M = 25.83, SD = 4.82) through a snowballing (non probability) sampling method. Adopting
a quantitative analytic technique, the results showed cannabis and alcohol as substance of choice with other improvised local
drug concoctions being taken by some participants. The role of parental and neighbourhood characteristics as probable risk
factors are described. The implications of the findings for rehabilitation service for the gang members are discussed.
the predictive roles of parental and neighbourhood characteristics in the gang patterns of psychoactive substance misuse behaviour.
The study approached gang members (N = 129) aged from 18 to 38 years (M = 25.83, SD = 4.82) through a snowballing (non probability) sampling method. Adopting
a quantitative analytic technique, the results showed cannabis and alcohol as substance of choice with other improvised local
drug concoctions being taken by some participants. The role of parental and neighbourhood characteristics as probable risk
factors are described. The implications of the findings for rehabilitation service for the gang members are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s11469-010-9299-9
- Authors
- Abeeb Olufemi Salaam, Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH UK
- Jennifer Brown, Mannheim Centre, Department of Social Policy, London School of Economics, London, WC2A 2AE UK
- Journal International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
- Online ISSN 1557-1882
- Print ISSN 1557-1874