Risk Factors for the Misuse of Psychoactive Substances Among University Students in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The use of psychoactive substances has dire consequences for the individual and the society at large. This study aims to ascertain the risk factors for the misuse of psychoactive substances among University students in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Two hundred and ninety three subjects participated in the study. Questionnaires on risk factors and varieties of psychoactive substances used as well as on socio-demographic variables were administered to each participant.The most commonly used psychoactive substance was Alcohol 178(60.8%). The commonest reason for using a psychoactive substance was peer group influence 166(56.7%). Frustration was significantly associated with academic class (X 2 = 17.358, df=5, p<0.05) and family history of use of the substance (X 2 = 6.22, df=1, p<0.05).Academic class was also significantly associated with peer group influence (X 2 = 28.914, df=5, p<0.05), parental deprivation (X 2 = 20.331, df=5, p<0.05), age (X 2 = 25.595, df=18, p<0.05) and influence of parents who engage in the use and abuse of substances (X 2 = 22.057, df=5, p<0.05).Gender was significantly associated with influence of parents who use psychoactive substances (X 2 = 9.305, df=1, p<0.05).The multiplicity of significant risk factors for psychoactive substance use underscores the need to improve the social support for students and reduce the environmental factors that make the young and impressionable minds more susceptible to drug use. The urgent need for deliberate drugdemand reduction strategies to be quickly employed in schools is imperative.