Social and Economic Causes of Drug Abuse Among Saudi Adolescents and Youth: A Sociological Study

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the social and economic causes of drug abuse among Saudi adolescents and youth as a sociological study. It relied on a social survey approach using a questionnaire tool on a purposive sample of 402 Saudi parents with children in adolescence or youth in Riyadh. The study found that social factors play a significant role in drug abuse, with the negative influence of friends being one of the most prominent factors, in addition to weak family cohesion, social isolation, and feelings of alienation. It was also observed that social pressures and a lack of recreational and cultural activities contribute to increasing the likelihood of drug abuse. Economically, the results confirmed that unemployment and a lack of economic and developmental opportunities are among the most significant influencing factors. Additionally, the low prices of drugs and ease of access contribute to the spread of the phenomenon, in addition to the impact of economic pressures on families' ability to monitor their children and provide a safe environment for them. Moreover, the results showed that parents have high awareness of the dangers of drugs and of their role in guiding their children, despite the fact that there is a relative weakness in participation in community events aiming at raising parents' awareness. The results also emphasized the importance of cooperation between the family and school to enhance children's awareness of the risks associated with drugs. The study presented a set of solutions and preventive strategies that could help reduce the prevalence of drug abuse, most notably increasing social and sports activities, providing sustainable government support for prevention and treatment programs, and enhancing psychological and social support for youth.