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 districtRwanda. 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. To
attain these objectives, a qualitative and
quantitative design, where the interview,
observation, and questionnaire 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