Role of social factors in developing addictive behavior among youth in Rwanda: Reality from the Isange Rehabilitation Center

Abstract

An addiction refers to a drug or substance that an individual partakes in and derives from its short-term pleasure, and long-term negative consequences. This paper aims to assess the role of social factors in developing addictive behaviors among youth in Huye district-Rwanda. The theory of attunement, psychoanalysis, and the social learning theory were used in this assessment. The specific objectives were (1) to identify the role of social factors in developing addictive behaviors among the youths, (2) to identify the addictive behaviors that are prevalent among the youth, and (3) to analyze the effects of addictive behavior on the individual lives of addicts. Qualitative and quantitative designs were used to attain these objectives, and interviews, observations, and questionnaires were used to collect data. Tabulation was used to analyze quantitative data to identify the frequency within which an idea was held in common regard. Narrative analysis was used to derive meanings from the participants' stories. The findings revealed that our social environments could lead to the development of addictive behaviors. The government, social workers, and parents should be mindful of the physical, emotional, and mental state of youth from a young age.