Influencing Factors of ‘Yaba’ Addiction among the Youth of Bangladesh and Its Effect: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Yaba has become the leading drug in the southeast part of Bangladesh during the last several years; particularly among youth. In-depth interviews were conducted with the yaba addicted youth of Cox's Bazar district. The study examined interventions of peer groups and internal factors of addiction to yaba and also analyzed threats of yaba addiction. 60% of respondents revealed that due to the influence of peer group they started using yaba. There have been other reasons for taking yaba, which were curiosity, extra power & entertainment, besides parent's negligence. Yaba dealers also target youth and students as the best clients for their products. Yaba addiction ruins family norms and social values, parent-children relationship and it has a greater impact on the academic aspect of a student. Yaba addiction influences youth to involve themselves in micro crimes to major crimes such as theft, stealing, murder etc. It has become a challenge to stop yaba trafficking for Bangladesh.