ILLICIT USE OF DRUGS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON YOUTH RESTIVENESS AND CRIMINALITY IN BENIN CITY

Disturbingly high level of illicit drug use has become a major concern to the Nigerian society such that some drugs have thus been recently outlawed by the Nigerian government because of its severe implications. This study therefore sought to examine the link between illicit use of drugs, youth restiveness and criminal behaviour in Benin City. The study was cross-sectional and utilized the quantitative method of data collection. Benin City was stratified along the existing 12 wards from which 360 respondents were sampled. A descriptive analysis of the data gathered was done utilizing inferential statistics. Findings from the investigation revealed that illicit drug use amongst youth propel them into criminal behaviour and restiveness. Based on the findings of the study, there is the need for government, religious bodies, family and the media to assist in the campaign against the illegal use of drugs by youths.Keywords: Youth, drugs, criminality, restiveness