ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION

Alarming rates of substance usage among student populations have been observed in several investigations (Adelekan, 1996; Anumonye, 1980; Baptista et al., 1994). The university experience is distinctive because it symbolizes what is thought to be the last opportunity for freedom before assuming adult responsibilities. Students become more open to trying innovative, previously forbidden, and occasionally unlawful experiences (Walsh, 1992; Leibsohn, 1994). The rapid increase in the abuse rate of psychoactive substances worldwide is a growing problem in many countries, and the use of these substances by students in Nigerian universities is growing at an alarming rate.

Aims and objectives

This study aims to investigate the perception and use of psychoactive substances among students in a Nigerian university and proffer possible strategies to curb this growing menace. 

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 245 undergraduate students of the Environmental science faculty of the University of Benin. Information obtained includes respondents' demographic data, knowledge, use, and perception of psychoactive substances and possible strategies to counter these substances' use. The data was analysed using SPSS 24 for Windows 8. Descriptive analysis was employed, and the results were expressed in frequency and percentages.

Results

Most respondents were male (61.2%) and in the 200 level (36.74%). Most respondents also responded that they were between 22-27 years old (47.8%). Of the 236 students who reported having heard of substance use, 68 (27.8%) admitted to ever using a psychoactive substance. The majority of students who use psychoactive substances of any kind were male (69.1) and within 22-27 years of age (54.4%).

Alcohol (27.8%) was the substance with the highest use, followed by caffeine (20.82), marijuana (12.2%), and shisheh (11.8%). Alcohol (20.8%), caffeine (16.33%), and marijuana (8.1%) were substances currently used by respondents.49 (20.8%) of respondents reported that psychoactive substances were easily accessible within the school environment. At the same time, 106 (44.9%) responded that psychoactive substances were easily accessible outside the school campus. Sources of psychoactive substances witnessed by respondents were bars (18.0%), clubs (18.8%), pharmacies (11.0%), drug dealers outside school (13.5%), drug dealers in school (9.4%), and drug joints(9.7%). 

The availability of psychoactive substances (80.9%), feeling high/alive (96.2%), and curiosity (42.8) were the highest reported reasons for the use of these psychoactive substances.

Discussion

This study showed a psychoactive substances prevalence of 27.8% among students at the University of Benin. Most students admitted to using these psychoactive substances were males aged 22-27. The substance with the highest use was alcohol, and this correlates with the study that reported alcohol as a gateway drug to the use of other psychoactive substances (Abiodun et al., 1994).

Respondents reported feeling high/alive and the availability of these substances to be the primary reasons for the use of psychoactive substances.

Conclusion

Psychoactive substance use is rapidly growing among students, with this study citing the availability of these substances and the feeling these substances induce as the significant reasons for their use. Government agencies and the school system should employ strategies to combat and curb the availability and use of these substances as we advance.

 KEYWORDS: Psychoactive substance, Substance Abuse, Alcohol