Saturday, March 22, 2008

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Recently, our country is facing the issue on the involvement of teenagers in drug addiction. The numbers of them are increasing day by day. This phenomenon has become worse and attracts attention by all parties.

According to the research made by Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF), the drug addiction problem has been Malaysia’s famous problem for more than two decades. With about 240,000 identified drug addicts nationwide since the 1980, drug abuse still poses a major problem, particularly those aged between 15 and 40 who make up 80 percent of the drug addicts in the country. The Government has spent hundreds of millions of ringgit to tackle the drug menace but the problem is far from being eradicated. Victory is still nowhere in sight. Statistics on drug users in the country are a matter of serious concern.

From the research on the male teenagers involved in drug addiction at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca, the researchers had found that there are many reasons teenagers take drugs. It includes family crisis, peer influence, society and the teenagers itself. Family crisis can lead teenagers involved in drug because the difficult family situation and the arguments between parents make the teenagers feel stress. Impact from that, teenagers will take a shortcut by choosing drugs as the solution for them to release their stress and escape from emotional upset. Peer is the strong factors that influence teenagers to take drugs. Teenagers taking drugs in order to gain recognition from their friends overcome shyness and escape from loneliness. Less intention from society also can be one of the reasons for this matter. Society, government and non government bodies are less concern on teenager’s welfare. A lot of activities for teenagers should be held in order to make them feel that they are appreciated by the society and apart of the society. Teenagers itself can be the reason they take drugs. They take drugs because they think that drugs can satisfy their curiosity. Teenagers might start off taking a drug simply as an experiment and then find they need it to relax and feel more accepted.

Clearly, no one party alone can help to overcome the drug menace. The Government needs not only the support of non government organizations, voluntary bodies and religious organizations, but also strong family institutions in helping to curb the drug problem.

It is time for all organizations and associations as well as the entire Malaysian community to work closely and with one mind to combat the drug menace to save our younger generation from the scourge of drugs. As the key to the fight against drugs lies in prevention, a national level prevention strategy is needed to involve the home, schools, society and the workplace to help eradicate the problem.

The active role of parents and the community in the campaign to battle drug abuse is also vital and must be intensified to stop it from becoming more prevalent especially among teenagers and youths. Further investigation and research on this issue must be continued if the government want to achieve the mission to be free from drug and this effort must not just stop here because teenagers is the important generation and needed to develop the country in the future.

1.2 Problem statement

According to Britannica Concise Encyclopedia, drug addiction can be define as physical and psychological dependency on a psychoactive substance such as alcohol, narcotics, and synthetic drug that can causes harm. Physical dependency results when the body builds up a tolerance to a drug, needing increasing doses to achieve the desired effects and to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Psychological dependency may have more to do with one's psychological make up some people may have a genetic tendency to addiction. There are three research problem statement that are being discussed in this research which are the level of age, types of drugs use by teenagers and the reasons of involvement of male teenagers in drug addiction.

1.2.1 The level of age

This research are done to know the level of age those teenagers involve in drug addiction. The teenagers at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca are among the ages of 11 until 21 years old. Thus, the research try to find the average age of the male teenagers involve in drug addiction.

1.2.2 Types drug use by teenagers

The researchers try to find types of drug use by male teenagers involved in drug addiction at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua. For example, the types of drugs use by teenagers are heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, marijuana, hallucinogens, synthetic drugs and others. The researchers try to know the types of drugs use by them but they refuse to give the exact answers.

1.2.3 Sources to get drug

In order to conduct the research at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca, the researchers try to know from where they get the substance of drugs. For example they are getting the drugs from their friends, family, drug dealer, neighbouring country and other sources. In other hand the researchers also want to know where are the most places become one of their ports to get the drugs. But the respondents were not giving the researchers unclear answer about this and the researchers difficult to know what are the terms use by them when they answer this question.

1.2.4 The Reasons of Involvement Male Teenagers in Drug Addiction.

The next problem faced in conducting this research is to know the reasons that influence male teenagers involved in drug addiction. The examples of the reasons that influence the involvement of male teenagers in drug addiction are family crisis, peer influence, society and the teenagers itself. Besides that, the researchers also wants to know the most reasons that makes male teenagers involved in drug addiction.

1.3 Purpose of the study

Numerous studies reported that the increasing numbers of drug addicts among teenagers had become the most serious issue that need to be resolve. Government is committed to educate the younger generation about the danger of drug abuse, which is one of the root causes of crime. In response to this national issue, this research was set up to investigate the issue further. The purpose of the study describe in this research report is to assists the responsible institution on how to overcome this cases from the reason of male teenagers involved in drug addiction that will find by the researchers.

1.4 Objectives of the study

The objectives of this study are:

  • To identify whether family crisis influence male teenagers involved in drug addiction at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca.
  • To recognize whether peers influence the male teenagers involved in drug addiction at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca.
  • To know whether society influence the male teenagers involved in drug addiction at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca.
  • To know whether teenager itself influence the male teenagers involved in drug addiction at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca.

1.5 Research questions

In order to carry out this research, the researchers will provide questionnaires which consist of twenty questions. These questions are divided into two parts. The first part consists of eleven questions. These questions asked on the demographic sections which are races, level of ages, family income, educational level, and the factors influence teenagers involve in drug addiction at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca. The second part consists of four scale questions. The question is to investigate the most influence factors on the involvement of male teenagers in drug addiction at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca.

1.6 Significant of the study

In this research, there are two significant that have been identified by researchers. In order to conduct the study of male teenagers involved in drug addictions at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua Malacca.

1.6.1 Family

Family will get benefits from the researcher's findings because by referring to this report, family can realized the reasons of the male teenagers involved in drugs addiction and they can use the recommendations given to overcome this issue. They also can always aware about their children especially teenagers behavior. Parents also can gain lots of knowledge on the factors that lead to this problem such as society and the social environmental reasons and the peers influence.

1.6.2 Accountable institutions

The researchers aim that the government, non government bodies and society would realize the problems of involvement of male teenagers in drugs. They can use all the information inside this report to know the real situations of this problem. As the key to fight against drugs, an efficient strategy is needed to involve the home, school, society and the workplace to help eradicate the problem.

1.7 Scope of the study

This study is focused on the dwellers at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca. Sixty respondents among them are chosen to answer the questions given in the questionnaires to help complete this research. The respondents who are between the ages 11 until 21 were randomly chosen by the researcher. The questionnaires were distributed to them during our meeting with them at the rehabilitation center. After completing the questionnaires, the researchers conducted a short interview session with the respondents asking their knowledge and opinions on the issue of drug addiction among them. Details information and cooperation from them are appreciated by the researcher because they help make this report possible and more accurate.

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

In this chapter, the researchers try to identify all the reasons that influence the male teenager involved in drug addiction. All the reasons are being supported by the other authors and pass findings that are conducted a research about the same issue. In literature review, the researchers discussed in depth about each reason such as family crisis, peers influence, society and teenager itself.

2.1 Definition

2.1.1 Teenager

In common usage around the world, ‘adolescent’, ‘teenager’, ‘teen’, ‘youth’, ‘young adult’, ‘lighty’, ‘youngster’, ‘young in’, ‘shorty’, ‘young person’ and ‘emerging adult’ may be considered synonyms, although the term teenager is an artifact of the English counting system, something which does not occur in all languages. In sociology, adolescence is seen as a cultural phenomenon for the working world and therefore its end points are not easily tied to physical milestones.

As a transitional stage of human development, adolescence is the period in which a child matures into an adult. This transition involves biological, social, and psychological changes, though the biological or physiological ones are the easiest to measure objectively. A person between early childhood and the teenage years is sometimes referred to as a teen. The end of adolescence and the beginning of adulthood varies by country as well as by function, as even within a single country there will be different ages at which an individual is considered mature enough to be entrusted with particular tasks, such as driving a vehicle, serving in the armed forces, voting, or marrying.

Based on Webster (1995), he defines adolescence as ‘the state or process of growing up, the period of life from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority.’ It categorizes the time period beginning at youth and ending in adulthood, typically designated somewhere between the ages of twelve and twenty. Of course the high end number continues to climb and entire book suggest that the end of adolescence is closer to 25 years old.

According to Agensi Dadah Kebangsaan (AADK) (1997), addition profile in Malaysia indicates that parts of drug addict are from 15 until 25 years old. Most of them are the teenagers that still schooling either in the government or private schools or on the higher learning institutions (IPTA or IPTS). Meanwhile, according to Sebald in Hasnah (1995), the term teenager can be interchangeably used with adolescence. Both terms give similar meanings. They refer to a process of growing up or a process of developing human. The development process starts with physiological changes and ends up with psychosocial changes.

According to Ali Pitchay Ibrahim in Hasnah (1995), teenager can be defined as a young man which age ranged between 11 to 26 years old. He is normally physically active and emotionally unstable. Generally, he is easily influenced but fast leaner. Furthermore, based on Aderson in Hasnah (1995), teenager is a period when human inherently develop physical appearance such as weight and height. Therefore, the teen years begin either at the age 13 or 14. This physical changing process is followed by other internal and external factors until the age of 20.

According to World Health Organizations (WHO), a teenager is aged between 12 to 24 years old. It is in view of poor countries especially in Africa and parts of Asia. The efforts in improving standards of living and level of education are still minimal. Thus, the mental development and maturity process in the Third World Countries are slow in comparison to develop countries. Teenagers can be defined as young person between age 13 to 19 years old (MacMillan, 2002). According to Granvile Stanley Hall stated by Isa Samad (2005), the age of teenagers are classified from 12 to 23 years old.

The Vice President of PEMADAM, Lee Lam Thye stated about 156,824 drug addicts have been identified in Malaysia, since 1970 until 1991. Almost 19,085 drug addict identified in 1991 including 7,825 or 41 percent recently drug addicts. From a total number of 156,824 drug addict, 76.4 percent are workers, 28.4 percent are unemployment and 2.6 percent are students. In addition, the research shows that about 55 female student in secondary schools used drug every year. About 2,033 students from 647 schools involved in drug addiction since 1983 until 1991. From this figure, 1794 students are found still attempt to use drugs. The teenager and student is one of the groups that indicate higher rates which became the victims of the drug in Malaysia.

According to Chief Minister of Negeri Sembilan, Tan Sri Isa Abdul Samad (Berita Harian, 15 September 1992),, the involvement of Malay teenagers in drug addiction is more serious compared to the teenagers from other races and religions.

2.1.2 Drug

The term drugs can be defined as illegal substance that affects physically or mentally when they take it (MacMillan, 2002). According to Abdul Ghafar Taib (1998), drug is any chemicals substance either natural or forgery when the person use it by smelling, eating, injecting and also sucking that can change their body systems, emotions and behaviors. According to TPP Mohd Reduan Aslie (1990), drug is any chemicals substances that have been used by human and animal body to investigate, secure and prevent or to improve health conditions. When the person misuse, it can effect addiction and health conditions as well as someone behavior.

Drugs are chemicals or substances that change the way our bodies work. When people put drug into their body (often by swallowing, inhaling, or injecting them), drugs find their way into their bloodstream and are transported to parts of the body such as brain. In the brain, drugs may intensify or dull senses, alter the sense of alertness, and sometimes decrease physical pain. A drug may be helpful or harmful. The effects of drugs can vary depending upon the kind of drug taken, how much is taken, how often it is used, how quickly it gets to the brain, and what other drugs, food, or substances are taken at the same time. Effects can also vary based on the differences in body size, shape, and chemistry.

The famous drug within teenagers is Ecstasy (MDMA). This is a designer drug created by underground chemists. It comes in powder, tablet, or capsule form. Ecstasy is a popular club drug among teens because it is widely available at raves, dance clubs, and concerts. Second is cocaine and crack .Cocaine is a white crystalline powder made from the dried leaves of the coca plant. Crack, named for its crackle when heated is made from cocaine. It looks like white or tan pellets. Third is a cough and cold medicine (DXM). Several over the counter cough and cold medicines contain the ingredient dextromethorphan (also called DXM). If taken in large quantities, these over the counter medicines can cause hallucinations, loss of motor control and or disassociate sensations.

However, there are certain people wrong using the drug and become a drug addiction. According to World Health Organization (WHO) (1957), Expert Committee on Addiction Producing Drugs defined addiction and habituation as components of drug abuse. Drug addiction is a state of periodic or chronic intoxication produced by the repeated consumption of a drug (natural or synthetic). Its characteristics include an overpowering desire or need (compulsion) to continue taking the drug and to obtain it by any means, a tendency to increase the dose, a psychic (psychological) and generally a physical dependence on the effects of the drug and detrimental effects on the individual and on society.

Drug habituation is a condition resulting from the repeated consumption of a drug. Its characteristics include a desire (but not a compulsion) to continue taking the drug for the sense of improved well-being which it engenders, little or no tendency to increase the dose, some degree of psychic dependence on the effect of the drug, but absence of physical dependence and hence of an abstinence syndrome (withdrawal), and detrimental effects, if any, primarily on the individual.

2.1.3 Reasons of involvement in drug addiction

The Agensi Dadah Kebangsaan (1997) stated that among the main factors that influence the involvement of teenagers in drug addiction are peer influence, family crisis, medicine alternatives, and society, reduce stress, enjoyment, indirectly behavior and sexual enjoyment. In this research, the researchers have identified four main reasons that might influence male teenagers involved in drug addiction which are family crisis, peers influence, society and myself.

Simple and straight answer to question the child or teenager starts using drugs does not exist. Many times, it is a combination of several factors including society, family and peers. They may turn to drugs to escape stress or loneliness or to overcome shyness in social situations. They may want to be seen as grown up or as a risk taker or they may simply be curious. Adolescence is often a time of low self-esteem, which can develop as a result of not being able to grow and change as quickly as is desired. A young person with low self esteem may feel they are not as smart, attractive, talented or popular as their peers. They may also feel pressured by parents, teachers or others to achieve goals that seem unattainable. To help deal with the pressure, a young person with low self-esteem may be more likely to put aside his or her good judgments and turn to drugs or alcohol to escape.

2.1.3.1 Family crisis

The reason of male teenagers involved in drug addiction also can be related with family problem such as divorced, polygamy and child abuse. This is because they are stress and the way of them faced toward their problem in their life. In other hand, stress and tension arise within family actually contribute by the family problem that cannot be resolved systematically and it is continuously. The effect of this problem not only ends at anytime but it is bring them to the other life problems including drugs addiction (Mohamed Izham ,Razak Lajis and Mohd Isa, 2002).

According to the research presented at Economic and Social Council of United Nations, it is not correct to routinely hold parents responsible for their children's drug related problems, but adds that drug abuse may be influenced by such factors as harsh discipline or drug use by parents. Studies have shown that illicit drug abuse correlates more strongly with disintegration of the family than with poverty. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that teenagers who reported feeling close to their families were the least likely to engage in any of the risky behaviors studied, which included drinking and smoking marijuana or cigarettes.

According to Mark J. Kittleson, William Kane, Richell Rennegarbe and others (2005), the reason of male teenagers involved in drug addiction comes from parent’s attitudes than the parent’s experience towards drugs. The children or teenagers are more probable to follow their parent’s attitudes toward drugs. The teens whose parents abuse drugs or alcohol are considerably more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol themselves.

Furthermore, the involvement of male teenagers in drug addiction also can be looked on the different parental or family personalities which clash with their child's personalities. Through this, it may cause a misfit of a child in their family structured and they feel lonely as well as alienated in the family. At the end, they will seek their peers in order to get the support from them. This is show that, it may be a first step toward a phase of drugs use. The author also said that, family alienation also use for teenagers by seeking help with drug in order to avoid themselves feeling alone which will result to their stress. Family problem may caused by certain condition in the family system in order it can encourage or influence teenagers with drugs problems (Arthur W. Blume, 2005).

In other hand, according to Arthur W. Blume, the children may engage with the risk-taking behavior because they feel neglected and less attention from their parents. According to Zakaria Stapa (1990), from the research that have been done by many psychologists, there are many factors which influence the involvement in drug addiction consist of peer influence, family crisis, desire of fun, anxiety, frustrated and so forth. In

addition, it will affect the behavior addiction to involve in criminal because of having financial problem in getting drugs. The drugs addict is influence to do the crime when they are under pressure and control.

According to Siegel and Welsh (2005), drug users have a poor family life. The majority of drug users have had unhappy childhood, which included harsh punishment and parental neglect. It is also common to find substances abusers in large families and with parents who are divorced, separated or absent. Social psychologists suggest that drug abuse patterns may also result from observation of parental drug use. In the research shows that gang members raised in families with a history of drug use were more likely than other gang members to use cocaine and to use it more seriously. Other family factors associated with teen drug abuse include parental conflict over child rearing practices, failure to set rules and unrealistic demands followed by harsh punishments. Low parental attachment, rejection and excessive family conflict have all been linked to adolescent substance abuse.

2.1.3.2 Peer pressure

According to Siegel and Welsh (2005), drug abuse is highly correlated with the behavior of best friends, especially when parental supervision is weak. Perhaps they join with peers to learn the techniques of drug use, their relationships with other drug dependent youths give them social support for their habit.

Drug use is correlated with attitudes and beliefs about drugs, both in terms of perceived health risks and the level of peer disapproval. As children reach adolescence, peer influences on personal behavior can take on increasing importance in determining the use of drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes. If teenagers think that his peers will disapprove and denounce him, it’s high probability that he won’t begin using any of these substances.

2.1.3.3 Society

According to Siegel and Welsh (2005), drug use by young minority group members has been tied to factors such as poverty, social disorganization, racial prejudice and stress living in a harsh environment. The association between drug use, race and poverty link to the high level of mistrust and defiance found in lower socioeconomic areas.

Society is one of the reason that contribute teenagers to the drug addiction also can be related and linked with the environment of the society and teenagers itself. According to Arthur W. Blume (2005), the environmental risk factors also may influence the male teenagers comes to the drugs problem. From his illustration, he mentioned the poverty has highest rates linked of drug addiction and poor neighborhoods. In addition, stress is one of the risk factor of the male teenagers involved in drug addiction. This is because teenager started taking drugs in order to reduce their stress or to relax.

Psychological stressor is the one of the element which may contribute to the drug addiction including to other stressor such as family, money, job stress, unemployment, daily hassles or major life changes or crisis. Furthermore, the author stated that many drug addicts felt they are not a part of their families and they did not in shape with the society. In general, they also described themselves as black sheep. This is means that either their family or the society gives bad perception to them. As the result they cannot matches either in families or in society and they may feel that they were neglected. Many of drugs addicts from ethnic minority group also feel that they do not match with the majority culture. They also used drugs to seek relief or to stay away from the environmental stressor that are related to prejudice and cultural shock.

Moreover, according to Mohamed Izham, Razak Lajis and Mohd Isa (2002), the process of modernization and development of cultures other than give the benefits to the society it also can bring effect that related with the drugs abuse. Modernization process also can influence the society to become more individualistic and from this circumstances can caused them feel lonely and lose of guidance when they were faced with stress situation especially for male teenagers itself. Nowadays, modern society always weak in their knowledge about the religion. Less in this spiritual also can influence and make them easily find their own way such as by taking drugs when they have to face with the stress.

2.1.3.4 Teenager itself

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, young people themselves indicate the reasons teenagers involved in drug addiction such as to feel grown up, fit in and belong, relax and feel good, take risks and rebel and satisfy curiosity One of the reasons the drugs become popular among teenagers might be the fact that they do not have fear of death, it seems very remote to them. The teenager can even convince themselves that then this problem become urgent for them, the medicine will be able to treat them. On the other hand, nobody who begins using drugs thinks that he will become addicted to them.

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

Methodology is a description of the procedures employed in order to achieve the objectives of the study. In this section, researchers try to translate all the raw data into scientific terms. This section includes research design, sample type and sampling of the data, measurement tools and variables. Sampling is the process of selecting a sample from population. It may be selected in a variety ways and it should be the representative of the population. The example is simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified and cluster.

3.2 Respondents of the study

In Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca the dwellers at this rehabilitation centre has become researcher’s respondents. They are 102 dweller consist of Malay, Chinese, Indian and others but the researcher only choose 60 respondents to answer the questionnaires.

3.3 Research instrument used

This research utilized the quantitative research methodology. The instruments used to collect the data were questionnaire. A set of questionnaire containing twenty questions divided into two sections. Different questions types have been highlighted such as open ended and closed ended consist of (yes/no), category, and likert-scales in the questionnaire. The different sections of the questionnaires are demographic sections (age, races, education and level of income) and the factors which influence the teenager involved in drug addiction.

3.4 Data Analysis

The research emphasized on the reason of male teenagers involved in drug addiction at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca which the dwellers at this rehabilitation centre have become researcher’s respondents. They are consisting of Malay, Chinese and Indian. The researchers have distributed 60 written questionnaires to 60 respondents in that rehabilitation centre. After distributing the questionnaires, the researcher will collect back all the questionnaires from the respondents on that day. This is because the researchers have value the answers in the form of numbers. After receive all the answer, the researcher start to analyzed all the data receive.

3.4.1 Data Sorting

For the first step, in order to analyze data receive is data sorting. In data sorting, the researcher had organized the data into two sections which is Section A and Section B. For the Section A, the researchers are more focus into the personal information of the respondents. For example, in the Section A, the researchers inquire the respondent’s about race, ages, monthly family income (RM), how long have been in this rehabilitation centre, education level, since when have been taking drug, how much spend to buy the drug (daily), the effectiveness of rehabilitation programme, hardcore addicts who frequent this centre, the place teenager get the drug and kind of pleasure that respondent get from taking drug. Meanwhile, for the section B, researchers are asking the questions of the reasons of involvement of male teenagers that have been categorized it into several reasons such as family crisis, peers influence, society and myself.

The structured questionnaire was prepared and given to a sample of population and is design to get specific and accurate information from selected respondents. In this research, there are four types of questions are been used in order to design the structured questions. There are open-ended question, closed-ended question consist of likert-scale question and listing or choice question. Under scale questions, the respondents are require to choose whether they are strongly agree, agree, disagree or strongly disagree toward the questions.

3.4.2 Data Entering

After completing the first step, researchers will go for the next step which is data entering. In this step, researchers enter all the data that get into computer. Researchers will use SPSS Software Version 12 programs to entering the data. The researchers choose the SPSS Version 12 program because it is easy to key in all the data and it is also suitable for quantitative data that have been used. The researchers key in the data from Section A and Section B. For instance, the question for Part B is asked about the peer influence that makes them involved in drug addiction. The researchers have classified all

the answer based on ordinal level of measurement. So, the researchers entered the answer that given by the respondents which are strongly disagree, disagree, agree and lastly is strongly agree.

3.4.3 Data Testing

Once the data is ready for analysis, the researchers are ready to test the hypotheses that already develop for the study. The researchers examine the results of the analyses of data obtained from the research title and how all the data are interpreted. So, by using the SPSS Version 12, the researchers use the descriptive statistic to measure the significant between the dependant variable which is involvement of male teenagers in drug addiction and independent variables which is reasons of involvement male teenagers in drug addiction. For example, to analyze the relationship between peers influence and

involvement of male teenagers in drug addiction, the researchers present the data in a table.

3.4.3 Data Presenting

For the data presenting, the researchers used table, pie chart, and bar charts to illustrate the data. For example, by using bar chart, firstly the researchers’ key in all the data that obtain in a table. The data are divided into 2 section which is Section A and Section B. Then, the SPSS Software Version 12 presents all the results of data in bar chart, pie chart and table.

4.0 FINDING AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Descriptions of the data

This finding had discussed on the profile of the respondents and the presentation of the researcher’s findings. The objective of this research is to collect data which are consisting of races, age, and gender. Furthermore, the researchers had identified four reasons of the male teenagers involved in drug addiction which are family crisis, peers influence, teenager itself and society. The research has been conducted in Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca.

Table 1: Total respondents

No

Profile

Respondent

Percent (%)

1

Gender

Male

102

100

2

Age

  • 14 - 16
  • 17 – 19
  • 20 and above

4

3.92

64

62.75

34

33.33

4.2 Description of the findings

Table 2: Races of respondents

Races

Total

Percent (%)

Malay

55

89.7

Chinese

1

8.6

Indian

4

1.7

Total

60

100







Figure 1: Races of respondents

Figure 1 shows the totals of respondents of Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua are 60 people involved with three races. From the three races, the highest rate of respondent are Malay which are 89.7 percent followed by Indian as the second highest of the respondents which are 8.6 percent. Lastly there are only 1.7 percent of respondents which is Chinese.

Table 3: Ages of the respondents

Level of ages (years old)

Frequency

Percent (%)

14 – 16

2

3.3

17 – 19

32

53.3

20 and above

26

43.3

Total

60

100

Figure 2: Ages of respondents

From the bar chart above, there are three level ages of the respondents in this rehabilitation centre. The highest respondents are from the ages of 17 years old until 19 years old are 53.3 percent. On other hand, the second highest of respondents are from the ages of 20 years old and above which are 43.3 percent and followed by the level of ages from 14 years old until 16 years old which are 3.3 percent only.

Table 4: Monthly family income

Level

Frequency

Percent (%)

<>

24

40.0

501-1500

24

40.0

1501-2000

8

13.3

>2001

4

6.7

Total

60

100.0


Figures 3: Monthly Family Income

From figure 3, most of respondents are involved in drug addiction comes from monthly family income less than RM500 and from RM501untill RM1500 had similar percentage of the respondent which was 40 percent. Meanwhile the second highest of respondent’s monthly family income amount are from RM1501 until RM2000 with 13.3 percent. There are 6.7 percent of respondent whose monthly family income are more than RM2001.

Table 5: Period in the Rehabilitation Centre

Period

Frequency

Percent (%)

<3>

2

3.3

4-11 months

25

41.7

1-1 1/2 years

19

31.7

1 1/2 years and above

14

23.3

Total

60

100.0

Figures 4: Period in the Rehabilitation Centre

In response to question 4, a majority of respondents revealed that the period in that rehabilitation centre are from 4 month until 11 month with 41.7 percent of them. Furthermore there was 31.7 percent of respondents which are in that rehabilitation centre from 1 year until 1 ½ years. Twenty-three point three percent of the respondents are in the rehabilitation centre from year 1 ½ and above In contrast there was only 3.3 percent the respondents lives in that rehabilitation centre for less than 3 months.

Table 6: Education Level

Level

Frequency

Percent (%)

STPM

5

8.3

SPM

19

31.7

PMR

18

30.0

UPSR

15

25.0

0THERS

3

5.0

Total

60

100.0

Figure 5: Education level

From the bar chart above, we can see that the highest level of education was stated that 31.7 percent of respondents are having qualification in SPM. On the contrary, others level of education was stated as the lowest percentage with 5 percent of the respondents. For the second rank of respondents educational level was confirmed that only 30 percent of them are from PMR educational level meanwhile followed by UPSR level was just 25percent of respondents. However there were only 8.3 percent of respondents for STPM level.

Table 7: Since when have you been taking drug.

Years

Frequency

Percent (%)

<1

19

31.7

2 – 3

17

28.3

4 – 5

14

23.3

6 and above

10

16.7

Total

60

100.0

Figure 6: Since when have you been taking drug.

From the bar chart above, it can be seen that the highest percentage was 31.7 percent of respondents have been taking drugs since less than 1 years followed by the second highest of respondent who was taking drugs from 2 years until 3 years with 28.3 percent of them. Here, the respondents taking drugs since from 4 years until 5 years with 23.3 percent whereas the lowest percentage of respondent of respondents stated that 16.7 percent of them taking drugs from 6 years and above.

Table 8: Spending of money

RM

Frequency

Percent (%)

10 – 30

27

45.0

40 – 60

11

18.3

70 – 90

10

16.7

100 and above

12

20.0

Total

60

100.0


Figure 7: Spending of money

The bar chart in figure 7 shows that the amount of money which was spending by the respondents in order to get the drugs. It is clearly shows that the highest of respondents was 45 percent had answered that they spend money by taking drugs from RM10 to RM30.There was second highest of respondents with 20 percent from RM100 and above. Eighteen percent of respondents spend from RM40 to RM 60 contrast with the lowest percentage of respondents was just 16.7 percent of them only spend RM70-RM90.

Table 9: Effectiveness of the program


Frequency

Percent (%)

Yes

47

78.3

No

13

21.7

Total

60

100.0

Figure 8: Effectiveness of the program

From the pie chart above it is clearly shows that majority of respondents with 78.3 percent of them said the program operate in this rehabilitation centre was effective.

Table 10: Hard core addicts


Frequency

Percent (%)

Yes

3

5.0

No

57

95.0

Total

60

100.0

Figure 9: Hard core addicts

In response to question 9, a majority of the respondents revealed that 95 percent of them were hardcore addicts who frequent in and out in this centre.

Table 11: Place to get drugs

Types

Frequency

Percent (%)

Friends

45

75.0

Drug dealer

11

18.3

Anchovy seller

2

3.3

In this centre

1

1.7

Neighboring country

1

1.7

Total

60

100.0

Figure 10: Place to get drugs

Pie chart above indicates that the highest of respondent with 75 percent of them obtain drugs from their friends meanwhile there was 18.33 percent of respondents were finding it from drug dealer. In addition, 33.3 percent of respondents were getting their drugs from anchovy seller contrary with 1.7 percent of respondents answered that they get from this rehabilitation centre similarly percentage with they were found the drugs from neighboring country.

Table 12: Kind of pleasure

Types

Frequency

Percent (%)

Release stress

18

30.0

Gain more energy

13

21.7

Enjoy

28

46.7

Tried

1

1.7

Total

60

100.0

Figure 11: Kind of pleasure

The respondents stated that they have many kind of pleasure when taking drugs. Figure 11 shows the kind of pleasure given by the respondents. A total of 46.67 percent of respondent revealed that the enjoyment was the feeling they obtain when taken drugs. Here, respondents choose release stress with 30 percent, whereas the respondents choose gain more energy with 21.67 percent. The percentage of tried indicates lower rate was just 1.67 percent.

Table 13: Family crisis (Parents always underestimate)

Level

Frequency

Percent (%)

Strongly disagree

20

33.3

Disagree

33

55.0

Agree

6

10.0

Strongly agree

1

1.7

Total

60

100.0

Figure 12: Family crisis (Parents always underestimate)

The pie chart reveals that majority of the respondents with 55 percent disagreed that family crisis consist of parent always underestimate is one of the reasons respondents involved in drug addiction. Then, the 33.33 percent of the respondents strongly disagreed with this statement, whereas 10 percent strongly agreed. In contrast, only 1.67 percent of the respondents strongly agreed.

Table 14: Family crisis (Arguments between parents)

Level

Frequency

Percent (%)

Strongly disagree

23

38.3

Disagree

22

36.7

Agree

14

23.3

Strongly agree

1

1.7

Total

60

100.0

Figure 13: Family crisis (Arguments between parents)

The pie chart indicates that 8.33 percent of the respondent strongly disagreed that family crisis consist of arguments between parents is one of the reasons respondents involved in drug addiction. Then, the 36.67 percent of the respondents disagreed with this statement, whereas 23.33 percent of respondents agreed. In contrast, only 1.67 percent of the respondents strongly agreed.

Table 15: Peers influence (Friends can easily influence)

Level

Frequency

Percent (%)

Strongly disagree

4

6.7

Disagree

11

18.3

Agree

32

53.3

Strongly agree

13

21.7

Total

60

100.0

Figure 14: Peers influence (Friends can easily influence)

From the figure 14, the result shows that 53.33 percent of the respondent agreed that peers influence is one of the reasons respondents involved in drug addiction. Then, the 21.67 percent of the respondents strongly agreed with this statement, whereas 18.33 percent of respondents disagreed. In contrast, only 6.67 percent of the respondents strongly disagreed.

Table 16: Peers influence (Take in group)

Level

Frequency

Percent (%)

Strongly disagree

6

10.0

Disagree

16

26.7

Agree

30

50.0

Strongly agree

8

13.3

Total

60

100.0

Figure 15: Peers influence (Take in group)

The pie chart reveals that majority of the respondents with 50 percent agreed that peers influence consist of take in group is one of the reasons respondents involved in drug addiction. Then, the 26.67 percent of the respondents disagreed with this statement, whereas 13.33 percent strongly agreed. In contrast, only 10 percent of the respondents strongly disagreed.

Table 17: Society (Acception)

Level

Frequency

Percent (%)

Strongly disagree

7

11.7

Disagree

8

13.3

Agree

34

56.7

Strongly agree

11

18.3

Total

60

100.0

Figure 16: Society (Acception)

The pie chart reveals that majority of the respondents with 56.67 percent agreed that society acception is one of the reasons teenager involved in drug addiction. Then, the 18.33 percent of the respondents strongly agreed with this statement, whereas 13.33 percent disagreed. In contrast, only 11.67 percent of the respondents strongly disagreed.

Table 18: Society (Society really cares about teenagers)

Level

Frequency

Percent (%)

Strongly disagree

8

13.3

Disagree

10

16.7

Agree

26

43.3

Strongly agree

16

26.7

Total

60

100.0

Figure 17: Society (Society really cares about teenagers)

From the Figure 17, 43.33 percent of the respondents agree that society really cares about teenager who involved in drug addiction. In the selection of lower rate, 13.33 percent of the respondents strongly disagreed. Only 26.67 percent of the respondents strongly agreed that with this statement. Here the percentage of society really cares about teenager was 16.67 percent which disagreed.

Table 19: Teenager itself (Do not regret when taking drugs)

Level

Frequency

Percent (%)

Strongly disagree

29

48.3

Disagree

16

26.7

Agree

7

11.7

Strongly agree

8

13.3

Total

60

100.0

Figure 18: Teenager itself (Do not regret when taking drugs)

Figure 18 shows that the higher percentage of the respondents strongly disagreed teenager itself (do not regret when taking drugs) is one of the reason teenager involved in drug addiction which is 48.33 percent. In the selection of lower rate, 11.67 percent of the respondents agreed. Only 13.33 percent of the respondents strongly agreed with this statement. Here, the percentage of respondents which disagreed is 26.67 percent.

Table 20: Teenager itself (Not scared being arrested)

Level

Frequency

Percent (%)

Strongly disagree

23

38.3

Disagree

20

33.3

Agree

10

16.7

Strongly agree

7

11.7

Total

60

100.0

Figure 19: Teenager itself (Not scared being arrested)

Figure 19 indicates the percentage of the respondents strongly agreed itself (not scared being arrested) is one of the reason teenagers involved in drug addiction which is 38.33 percent. In the selection of lower rate, 11.67 percent of the respondents strongly agreed, followed by 33.33 percent of the respondents disagreed with this statement. Here, the percentage of respondents which agreed is 16.67 percent.

Table 21: Teenager itself (do not care other people’s perception)

Level

Frequency

Percent (%)

Strongly disagree

8

13.3

Disagree

7

11.7

Agree

24

40.0

Strongly agree

21

35.0

Total

60

100.0

Figure 20: Teenager itself (do not care other people’s perception)

Figure 20 shows that the higher percentage of the respondents agreed teenager itself (do not care other people's perception) is one of the reason teenager involved in drug addiction which is 40 percent. In the selection of lower rate, 11.67 percent of the respondents disagreed. Thirty five percent of the respondents strongly agreed with this statement. Here, the percentage of respondents which strongly disagreed is 13.33 percent.

4.3 Discussion analysis of finding

The findings of each objective are further elaborated and analyzed. This finding reveals the following discussion:-

a) To identify whether family crisis influence male teenagers involved in drug

addiction at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca.

According to the result of this finding, the reason of male teenager involved in drug addiction is family crisis. Family crisis consist of first questions which is parent always underestimate and second question is the arguments between parents. The first question reveals the finding which most of the respondents disagreed with this statement. This is because maybe the teenagers fully trusted by their parent. A possible explanation for this might be the teenagers feel that they can do anything without the parent control. The second question reveals the finding which most of the respondent strongly disagreed with this statement. This is because they feel that the arguments between parents not as one of the reason that may contribute to what they have been done. Maybe they are coming from happy family but the respondents maybe hide their true behavior from their family.

b) To recognize whether peers influence the male teenagers involved in drug

addiction at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca.

According to the result of the finding, the reason of male teenager involved in drug addiction is peers influence. In this questionnaire, it is consist of two questions which are friends can easily influence them, most of respondent agreed that peers was influence them in drugs addiction. It is possible that these results are due to how the respondents choose their friends. It is means that through the results of the finding most of them choose the wrong circle of friends. Moreover the questions also stated about they take the drugs in group. Most of the respondents reveal that they are agreed that they have been

taken the drugs in group, it is means that maybe it is easier for them to get the drugs especially they move in group and they feel brave and secured while taking drugs.

c) To know whether society influence the male teenagers involved in drug

addiction at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua, Malacca.

According to the result of the finding, the reason of male teenager involved in drug addiction is society. In the questionnaire, respondent had been asked about the questions which are the acceptance of society upon completion of treatment and society attention about teenagers. Most of respondents agreed that acceptance of society upon completion of treatment because maybe the society has the good perception toward them and support them to change their behavior. Furthermore, majority of the respondents agreed to the statement which society really cares about them. This is because society nowadays cares about the teenagers attitudes which play the important roles in the society. The teenagers as a role model for the future generation may have good attitudes. In order to obtain this, the society has done many activities which encourage them from taking drugs such as National Service.

d) To know whether teenagers itself can be one of the factors that influence the

male teenagers involved in drug addiction at Pusat Serenti Tiang Dua,

Malacca.

Based on the result of the finding, the reason of male teenager involved in drug addiction is teenager itself. In the questionnaire, respondent had been asked about the questions which are not regret when taking drug, not scared being arrested by local authority and also do not care the other people’s perception about drugs. Most of the respondents strongly agreed that they are not regret when taking drugs. In contrast, the respondents actually feel regret when taking drugs. This is due to their awareness to change their behavior and habit. This circumstance happened due to the effectiveness of the program which have been done in the rehabilitation centre and the affect of using drugs. Moreover, most of the respondents strongly disagreed that they not scared being arrested by local authority. It seems possible that this result due to the teenager’s perceptions which they feel scared in detention. In order to reduce their scaring, they may be able not to take drug again. Meanwhile, most of the respondents strongly agreed that they do not care the other people’s perception about drugs. The reason is they feel drugs is one of the substances that not dangerous to their health and provide benefit to them. When taking the drugs they feel enjoyment, get more energy as well as reduce their stress. This means they do not cares when the people always feel awful to them.