Victims’ experiences of the causes of substance misuse and its crime and parenting nexus in Nigeria: a qualitative study

Substance misuse is a prevalent global problem. Yet, there remains a gap in using the fusion of social learning theory (SLT) and differential association theory (DAT) to examine victims’ experiences of the causes of substance use and its crime and parenting nexus in Nigeria. Underpinned by a qualitative method, 40 participants were recruited from Delta State, Nigeria. Based on thematic analyses from the fusion of SLT and DAT, the study found that while peer influence exacerbates substance misuse and resort to crime, its impact was secondary, as observed learning from the family and poor parenting constitutes the primary causes. It also found that drug misuse was a precursor to criminal behaviour. The study concludes on the significant need for parenting training and education to prevent the nexus between substance misuse and crime.