Recreational use of psychoactive substances among secondary school students in North-Central Nigeria

Background: In the West African sub-region, the recreational use of psychoactive substances has increased. Adolescent substance use is commonly found among students. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and pattern of substance use among secondary school students in Ilorin, Nigeria. Methods: Using a multistage sampling technique, data from 2,001 students was analyzed. Instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire and a modified WHO Students’ Drug Use Survey Questionnaire. Results: The overall lifetime use of substances was 83.7%, while overall current use was 62.4%. Non-prescription use of antibiotics and analgesics was prevalent (53% and 15.8%, respectively). The psychoactive substances most commonly used were stimulants, alcohol and organic solvents, with a current use of 7.1%, 3.5% and 3.5% respectively (N = 2001). The overall mean age at first use was 13.45 ± 1.49, while many organic solvent users started at age 10. Conclusions: The recreational use of psychoactive substances is common among school children in Ilorin. The age of onset is in early adolescence, or earlier for substances like organic solvents that are easily accessible. The prevalent use of alcohol, a gateway drug, is a call for action. © 2020, © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.