Psychological Implications of Recreational Drug use among Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Nigeria

Authors

  • Achi Ndifon Bekomson Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Educational Foundation Studies, College of Education, University of Calabar, Nigeria
  • Sunday Maria Ofie Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Educational Foundation Studies, College of Education, University of Calabar, Nigeria
  • Emanghe Emmanuel Emanghe Department of Educational Management, Faculty of Education Foundation Studies, College of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
  • Catherine Kaning Agbongiasede Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education Foundation Studies, College of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
  • Stella Uchechukwu Okeke Department of Social Studies and Civic Education, Faculty of Arts and Social Science Education, College of Education, University of Calabar, Nigeria
  • Eyiene Ameh Department of Educational Management, Faculty of Education Foundation Studies, College of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
  • Obogo Godwin Obogo Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Educational Foundation Studies, College of Education, University of Calabar, Nigeria
  • Egaga Musa Moses Department of Special Education, Faculty of Vocational Education and Entrepreneurship, College of Education, University of Calabar, Nigeria
  • Samuel Okpon Ekaette Department of Educational Management, Faculty of Education Foundation Studies, College of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
  • Margaret Uchenna Chukwurah Department of Curriculum and Teaching Department Faculty of Educational Foundation Studies, College of Education, University of Calabar, Nigeria
  • Ettah Ettah Omini Department of Educational Management, Faculty of Education Foundation Studies, College of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
  • Matilda Ernest Eteng Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education Foundation Studies, College of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
  • Odim Otu Offem Department of Economic and Political Science Education, Faculty of Arts and Social Science Education, College of Education, University of Calabar, Nigeria
  • Veronica Nakanda Effiom Department of Social Studies and Civic Education, Faculty of Arts and Social Science Education, College of Education, University of Calabar, Nigeria
  • Omoogun Remi Modupe Department of Environmental Education, Faculty of Arts and Social Science Education, College of Education, University of Calabar, Nigeria
  • Effiong Edet Okon Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2025.13.02.8

Keywords:

Psychological implications, Recreational drug use, students with intellectual disabilities, Cross River State, Akwa Ibom States, Inclusive Education, Special Schools

Abstract

Aim: The psychological consequences of drug use in individuals with intellectual disabilities can include worsened cognitive deficits, anxiety, aggression, depression, and impaired academic functioning. These effects are often underrecognized due to stigma or limited school support systems. Examine the psychological implications and patterns of recreational drug use among students with intellectual disabilities in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, Nigeria. Five study objectives were stated to guide the research. Five research questions were formulated, and three hypotheses were stated. Literature was reviewed based on the variables under study.

Method: The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study was conducted in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, located in Nigeria's South-South geopolitical zone. The population comprises 1067 students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in public and private special education schools and inclusive education programs. Purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were used. A total sample of 200 respondents were selected for the study. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Experts validated the instruments, which were tested for reliability using the Cronbach Alpha reliability method. The test result revealed a reliability index of 0.80. Results of the research questions were presented using frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the hypothesis.

Results: The results revealed that substances such as marijuana, codeine, and tramadol were the most commonly reported. There is a significant relationship between recreational drug use and the psychological well-being of students with intellectual disabilities. Students with intellectual disabilities in Cross River State experience significantly higher psychological implications related to drug use compared to their peers in Akwa Ibom State. Peer influence and neighborhood environment are significant predictors of recreational drug use among students with intellectual disabilities, while family background is not.

Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight a disturbing reality: students with intellectual disabilities are at substantial risk of psychological harm due to recreational drug use.

Recommendation: Schools and disability support centers should implement peer-mentoring programs, social skills training, and anti-drug clubs that empower students to resist negative peer pressure.

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Published

2025-07-05

How to Cite

Bekomson, A. N. ., Ofie, S. M. ., Emanghe, E. E. ., Agbongiasede, C. K. ., Okeke, S. U. ., Ameh, E. ., Obogo, O. G. ., Moses, E. M. ., Ekaette, S. O. ., Chukwurah, M. U. ., Omini, E. E. ., Eteng, M. E. ., Offem, O. O. ., Effiom, V. N. ., Modupe, O. R. ., & Okon, E. E. . (2025). Psychological Implications of Recreational Drug use among Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Nigeria. Journal of Intellectual Disability - Diagnosis and Treatment, 13(2), 222–236. https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2025.13.02.8

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Special Issue: Fostering Inclusive Education and Psychological Wellbeing for Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Nigeria
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