THE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ILLEGAL DRUGS ADDICTION AMONG THE YOUTH IN BARANGAY 176 BAGONG SILANG CALOOCAN CITY

Abstract

This study investigates the factors contributing to illegal drug addiction among the youth in Barangay 176, Bagong Silang, Caloocan City. The research aims to identify key influences to inform effective prevention and intervention strategies. While previous studies have pointed to the roles of parental supervision, family dynamics, and neighborhood environment in youth drug involvement, there remains a lack of focused research on how these elements interact within the specific context of Barangay 176. This study seeks to fill that gap by providing localized insights that can guide the development of community-tailored programs and policies for more compassionate and effective responses to youth drug addiction. A descriptive research design was employed to examine the contributing factors to youth drug addiction. Data were collected through a structured survey questionnaire distributed to youth residents and stakeholders in Barangay 176, selected using purposive sampling. The questionnaire, validated by experts, consisted of four sections: demographic profile, underlying causes of addiction, drug prevention strategies, and suggested interventions. Data analysis involved the use of frequency and percentage, weighted mean, four-point Likert scale ratings, and ranking. Ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and barangay-level approval, were strictly observed. The majority of respondents were male (54%), aged 17–25 (48%), and widowed (56%), with most attaining a college-level education. The findings identified parental oversight (composite mean = 3.42), family environment (3.38), and community context (3.24) as the most significant contributing factors to youth drug addiction. Respondents emphasized the lack of parental support and economic hardship as particularly influential. Furthermore, the study identified the promotion of positive alternatives—such as sports, clubs, and community-based activities—as both a preventive measure and a core recommendation to address the issue. The results reinforce existing literature on the interplay between family, community, and individual circumstances in youth drug addiction. The study underscores the need for integrated and localized intervention strategies that involve all stakeholders, including families, schools, and barangay officials. While the research offers valuable insights, limitations in sample size and the exclusive use of quantitative data suggest the need for future studies incorporating qualitative methods and broader demographic coverage. Such efforts can contribute to more nuanced and culturally appropriate responses to this complex social issue.