Substances in use and abused by the adolescent population of senior secondary schools in Jos South Lga, Plateau State, Nigeria

Incidence of use and abuse of substances with psychoactive properties and effects continues to be on the rise in Nigeria, and with dire social, economic, health, developmental and demographical consequences. In addition is the emergence of other substances previously unknown, with unknown and undetermined effects, and which also are finding themselves increasingly in use and abused. This study explores the use of substances with psychoactive properties and effects, and magnitude as well as reasons of use among adolescents in secondary schools in Jos metropolis, capital of Plateau State, Nigeria. Of the population studied, 35.3% were found to have ever indulged in substance use, with preponderance of male (73.2%) compared to the female (12.6%), the difference of which was statistically significant (pV<0.0001). About 13.7% were found to currently use these substances with statistically significant difference (pV<0.0001) between male (28.2%) and female (5.0%) populations. Substances ever used among the study group were alcoholic products, Indian hemp, stimulants and opioids with prevalence rates of 34.2%, 13.7%, 13.7% and 4.2% respectively. Currently in use were alcoholic products (11.6%), stimulants (4.2%), Indian Hemp (1.6%) and opioids (1.6%). Influence of friends/peer pressure was the dominant reason (76.1%) for the substance use among the study group, followed by curiosity (25.4%) and relief of anxiety (23.9%). Addressing this social menace will require concerted, multi-sectoral efforts. Keywords: Substance use and abuse, adolescents