Between March and October 2009, City of Rest conducted research into the situation of substance abuse among children and youth in Freetown. The research targeted children and youth, health workers, police officers, substance abusers, staff of City of Rest and the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. It revealed a relatively high prevalence of marijuana consumption in the target group of children and youth and an increasing abuse of cocaine, heroine and prescription drugs. Rather than focussing on quantitative aspects, the research explored reasons for substance abuse, effects of substance abuse, the relationship between substance abuse and school violence, etc. The report concludes with recommendations for the Government of Sierra Leone and other key stake holders.

Click here to download the full research report.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESEARCH FINAL REPORT.pdf

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