Determinants, patterns and problems of drug use and abuse among Nigerian undergraduates

A review of literature

Abstract

Drug use refers to any scope of use of illegal drugs; heroin use, cocaine use, tobacco use among others. Drug use is socially patterned in the society due to the social learning aspects this paper reviewed the determinants , patterns and effects of drug use among Nigeria undergraduates. The differential association theory by American Sociologist Edwin Sutherland was used in explaining how drug use behaviors among undergraduates are fueled through socialization, as students learn to use drugs from peers. The various determinants of drug use and abuse can be seen in different forms. It could be as a result of peer pressure, promotion of drugs and pain killers, parents pathological background, enjoyment and ignorance of the harm and dangerous caused by intake of drugs. The prevalence rate of drug abuse is mostly seen in the North West followed by South West, South east and North Central. Mostly taken drugs are cannabis, followed by benzodiapines, and amphetamine stimulants. It appears more among the males and less among females. These drugs are mostly gotten from joints in campuses, under flyover in Onitsha, Ajegunle in Lagos, uncompleted buildings. The effects of these drugs can be witnessed in the negative activities and crimes perpetrated these individuals. Such as cultism, accident, killings and diseases. The government should make the possible legislation and policies to eradicate drug abuse in the federation through the Nigerian Drug Law and Enforcement Agency.