Project – The Role of the Church in Combating Drug Abuse Among Christian Youths: A Study of Selected Pentecostal Churches in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Drug abuse is a major public health and social concern that affects individuals, families, communities, and institutions. It involves the harmful or inappropriate use of psychoactive substances, including the non-medical use of prescription medicines and the use of illicit drugs. Drug-related problems may affect physical health, psychological well-being, educational achievement, relationships, and social responsibility. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) (2018) explain that effective drug prevention requires evidence-based strategies that address the personal, family, social, and environmental factors that influence substance use. This understanding shows that drug abuse cannot be addressed adequately through punishment or condemnation alone; it also requires education, guidance, prevention, and appropriate support for affected individuals. Within the Christian community, the problem calls for constructive involvement by the church in promoting healthy choices, encouraging responsible behaviour, and helping young people understand the consequences of substance misuse.

Young people are an important population in drug prevention because experiences during adolescence and early adulthood can influence health and behaviour later in life. Exposure to peer pressure, curiosity, stress, family difficulties, social influence, and the desire for acceptance may contribute to decisions concerning substance use. The WHO (2024) notes that early substance use is associated with a greater risk of dependence and other problems during adulthood. These risks make it necessary for families, educational institutions, religious organisations, and community leaders to work together to provide appropriate information and protective support. For Christian youths, the church can provide moral guidance, positive relationships, spiritual instruction, and opportunities to discuss personal challenges. Nevertheless, effective prevention requires that religious guidance be combined with accurate information about drugs and access to professional assistance where necessary.

Drug abuse has attracted considerable attention in Nigeria because of its implications for public health, education, family stability, and national development. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) (2019), in the national report Drug Use in Nigeria 2018, estimated that 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged 15–64, representing approximately 14.3 million people, had used a psychoactive substance other than alcohol in the preceding year. The report identified cannabis and the non-medical use of prescription opioids, including tramadol, among the substances contributing to the national drug-use burden. These findings demonstrate the importance of developing prevention strategies that reach people in different social settings, including schools, families, religious communities, and local neighbourhoods. However, national statistics do not automatically establish the prevalence of drug abuse among Christian youths in Jalingo, Taraba State. This makes local research necessary to understand the experiences of youths and the potential contribution of Pentecostal churches to prevention efforts.

The church is an important religious and social institution that teaches moral values, promotes spiritual development, encourages responsible living, and provides opportunities for communal support. Through sermons, Bible study, prayer meetings, youth fellowships, counselling, and other church activities, religious leaders can educate young people about choices that may harm their health and relationships. The Christian principle in 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 emphasises the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, while Proverbs 22:6 highlights the importance of guiding young people in the right direction. These biblical teachings can provide a foundation for Christian education on self-control, personal responsibility, and the avoidance of harmful behaviour. In addition, the WHO and UNODC (2018) recognise the importance of prevention strategies that address risk and protective factors within communities. The church can therefore contribute to drug-abuse prevention by combining biblical instruction with accurate health information, supportive relationships, and referrals to qualified professionals.

Pentecostal churches often place emphasis on prayer, preaching, personal conversion, spiritual discipline, fellowship, and active participation in religious activities. These practices may provide opportunities to encourage young people to avoid harmful substances and develop constructive lifestyles. Youth fellowships, discipleship programmes, pastoral counselling, seminars, and mentorship can help Christian youths discuss peer pressure, emotional difficulties, personal decisions, and the consequences of substance misuse. However, the effectiveness of such activities depends on how they are planned and delivered, whether young people participate meaningfully, and whether church leaders possess appropriate knowledge and referral resources. The WHO and UNODC (2018) stress that prevention programmes should be based on evidence about the factors that influence substance use rather than relying on general warnings alone. Consequently, Pentecostal churches can strengthen their contribution by integrating spiritual teaching with practical prevention education, confidential support, and collaboration with health and social-service professionals.

Although churches may have considerable influence within their congregations, they may face challenges when attempting to address drug abuse among youths. These challenges may include limited funding, inadequate training for youth leaders, stigma surrounding substance-use problems, reluctance among affected youths to seek help, and insufficient cooperation with health professionals. In some circumstances, substance misuse may be treated solely as a moral failure, even when the affected person also requires health assessment, counselling, or specialised treatment. The WHO and UNODC (2020) emphasise that treatment for drug-use disorders should be evidence-based, ethical, and responsive to the needs of affected individuals. This indicates that church-based interventions are most useful when they encourage prevention, compassion, early identification, and appropriate referral rather than shame or exclusion. Examining these possible challenges is important for determining how Pentecostal churches can improve their support for Christian youths.

Selected Pentecostal churches in Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State provide the setting for investigating the role of the church in combating drug abuse among Christian youths. The study will examine the preventive activities undertaken by the selected churches, the extent of youths’ participation in these activities, the perceived contribution of church programmes to drug-abuse prevention, and the challenges encountered by church leaders and youth workers. Although national evidence establishes that drug use is a significant concern in Nigeria, it does not by itself reveal the nature or effectiveness of prevention programmes in the selected churches. The WHO and UNODC (2018) recommend prevention approaches that respond to the circumstances and needs of the populations they are intended to serve. Therefore, this study seeks to generate context-specific information that may help the selected Pentecostal churches strengthen youth education, counselling, mentoring, and cooperation with appropriate professional services in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Drug abuse among young people is a concern because of its potential consequences for physical and mental health, education, family relationships, and social development. In Nigeria, the national drug-use survey reported substantial use of psychoactive substances among the population aged 15–64, demonstrating the need for preventive action across different sectors of society (NBS & UNODC, 2019). Although these national findings do not establish the prevalence of drug abuse among Christian youths in Jalingo, they provide a broader context for investigating the preventive responsibilities of religious institutions. The problem addressed by this study is the need to understand how selected Pentecostal churches in Jalingo Local Government Area contribute to preventing drug abuse among Christian youths.

A further problem concerns the extent to which church activities provide practical and relevant drug-abuse prevention education. Sermons, prayer meetings, Bible study, and youth fellowships may promote moral discipline and responsible behaviour, but their contribution to drug prevention depends partly on the accuracy of the information provided and the relevance of the activities to the challenges young people face. The WHO and UNODC (2018) emphasise the importance of evidence-based prevention strategies that address the risk and protective factors associated with substance use. It is therefore necessary to investigate whether the selected Pentecostal churches provide organised drug-awareness programmes, counselling, mentoring, and other practical interventions, rather than assuming that general religious instruction alone is sufficient.

Another problem relates to the difficulties that churches may encounter when supporting youths who are exposed to drug use or are already experiencing substance-related problems. Fear of judgement, stigma, inadequate counselling skills, limited resources, and uncertainty about professional referral services may prevent some young people from seeking assistance. The WHO and UNODC (2020) emphasise the importance of evidence-based and ethical approaches to treating drug-use disorders. Accordingly, the study needs to examine the challenges faced by church leaders and youth workers, including the extent to which they can provide appropriate guidance and connect affected individuals with qualified health professionals.

The central problem, therefore, is the limited context-specific information available within the scope of this research concerning the role played by selected Pentecostal churches in combating drug abuse among Christian youths in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State. Without systematically examining church activities, youth participation, perceived preventive contributions, and implementation challenges, it may be difficult to determine which approaches are useful and where improvements are needed. This study will investigate these issues to provide evidence that may assist church leaders, youth coordinators, parents, and relevant community stakeholders in strengthening drug-abuse prevention among Christian youths.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The main aim of this study is to examine the role of the church in combating drug abuse among Christian youths in selected Pentecostal churches in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Examine the drug-abuse prevention activities undertaken by selected Pentecostal churches among Christian youths in Jalingo Local Government Area.

2. Determine the extent of Christian youths’ participation in church-based drug-abuse prevention activities.

3. Assess the perceived contribution of church activities to drug-abuse awareness and prevention among Christian youths.

4. Identify the major challenges confronting selected Pentecostal churches in combating drug abuse among Christian youths in the study area.

1.4 Research Questions

The study will be guided by the following research questions:

1. What drug-abuse prevention activities are undertaken by selected Pentecostal churches among Christian youths in Jalingo Local Government Area?

2. To what extent do Christian youths participate in church-based drug-abuse prevention activities?

3. How do church activities contribute to drug-abuse awareness and prevention among Christian youths?

4. What major challenges confront selected Pentecostal churches in combating drug abuse among Christian youths in the study area?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypothesis will be tested at the 0.05 level of significance.

H₀: There is no statistically significant relationship between participation in church-based drug-abuse prevention activities and drug-abuse prevention awareness among Christian youths in selected Pentecostal churches in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study are expected to be beneficial to Pentecostal churches, Christian youths, church leaders, parents and guardians, government agencies, health professionals, and future researchers.

Church leaders and pastors: The study may help church leaders understand their responsibilities in preventing drug abuse among young people. The findings may guide the development of youth-focused sermons, drug-awareness seminars, counselling programmes, mentorship initiatives, and referral arrangements with qualified health professionals.

Christian youths: The study may improve young people’s awareness of the risks associated with drug abuse and encourage responsible decision-making. It may also help them recognise the importance of resisting harmful peer pressure, seeking appropriate assistance, and participating in constructive church activities.

Youth pastors and fellowship coordinators: The findings may help youth workers identify effective ways to engage young people in drug-abuse prevention. The study may encourage the use of interactive discussions, peer education, mentorship, confidential support, and activities that promote healthy lifestyles.

Parents and guardians: The study may increase awareness of the importance of cooperation between families and churches in preventing drug abuse. It may encourage parents to communicate openly with their children, identify warning signs, and seek professional support when necessary.

Government agencies and health professionals: The findings may provide local information that can support collaboration between religious organisations and relevant public health institutions. Such cooperation may improve drug-awareness education, early identification, counselling, and referrals for affected youths.

Future researchers: The study may serve as a reference for further research on drug abuse, religious institutions, youth development, and community-based prevention programmes. It may also provide a basis for comparative studies involving other churches and local government areas.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the role of the church in combating drug abuse among Christian youths in selected Pentecostal churches in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State.

The geographical scope is limited to the selected Pentecostal churches within Jalingo Local Government Area. The specific churches will be identified according to the researcher’s sampling plan and the availability of eligible respondents.

The subject scope covers church-based drug-abuse prevention activities, Christian youths’ participation in those activities, their perceived contribution to drug-abuse awareness and prevention, and the challenges encountered by church leaders and youth workers.

The study will focus on prevention and awareness rather than clinical diagnosis or treatment of drug-use disorders. Its findings will be interpreted in relation to the selected churches and respondents rather than generalised automatically to all Pentecostal churches in Taraba State.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The study may encounter certain limitations during data collection and analysis.

Respondents’ willingness to disclose information: Drug abuse is a sensitive subject, and some respondents may be reluctant to discuss their experiences or opinions honestly. The researcher will therefore protect confidentiality and explain that participation is voluntary.

Limited geographical coverage: The study is restricted to selected Pentecostal churches in Jalingo Local Government Area. Consequently, the findings may not represent the experiences of all Christian youths in Taraba State.

Time and financial constraints: Limited time and financial resources may affect the number of churches visited and respondents reached. The researcher will use an appropriate sampling procedure to obtain relevant information within the available resources.

Availability of records: Some churches may not maintain formal records of drug-awareness programmes, counselling activities, or referrals. The researcher will therefore rely on the available records and responses obtained through the approved research instruments.

1.9 Operational Definition of Terms

Church: A Christian religious organisation or congregation that provides worship, biblical instruction, fellowship, pastoral guidance, and other religious activities.

Drug abuse: The harmful or inappropriate use of psychoactive substances, including illicit drugs and the non-medical use of prescription medicines, in ways that may negatively affect health or social functioning.

Christian youths: Young people who identify with the Christian faith and participate in the selected Pentecostal churches. Their age range will be defined according to the research requirements and the youth classification adopted for the study.

Combating drug abuse: Activities aimed at preventing drug use, reducing harmful substance use, increasing awareness, supporting affected individuals, and encouraging access to appropriate professional assistance.

Pentecostal churches: Christian congregations associated with the Pentecostal tradition, particularly its emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit, prayer, evangelism, spiritual gifts, and personal Christian commitment.

Drug-abuse prevention awareness: The knowledge and understanding of drug-related risks, prevention strategies, consequences of substance misuse, and available sources of assistance.

Church-based prevention activities: Programmes organised or supported by churches to discourage harmful drug use. These may include sermons, seminars, youth education, counselling, mentorship, peer-support activities, and referrals to qualified professionals.

Jalingo Local Government Area: The geographical area in Taraba State, Nigeria, within which the selected Pentecostal churches for this research are located.

1.10 Organisation of the Study

The research is organised into five chapters.

Chapter One: Introduction presents the background to the study, statement of the problem, aim and objectives, research questions, research hypothesis, significance, scope, limitations, operational definitions, and organisation of the study.

Chapter Two: Literature Review examines relevant conceptual, theoretical, and empirical literature on drug abuse among youths, the role of churches in drug-abuse prevention, and the challenges associated with church-based prevention programmes.

Chapter Three: Research Methodology describes the research design, study population, sample size, sampling techniques, research instrument, validity and reliability procedures, methods of data collection, and data-analysis techniques.

Chapter Four: Data Presentation, Analysis and Discussion presents and analyses the data collected from respondents, answers the research questions, tests the hypothesis, and discusses the findings in relation to existing literature.

Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations summarises the major findings, draws conclusions, presents recommendations, and suggests areas for further research.

Project – The Role of the Church in Combating Drug Abuse Among Christian Youths: A Study of Selected Pentecostal Churches in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State.