STUDY ON SUBSTANCES ABUSE AMONG STUDENTS IN IMO STATE UNIVERSITY, OWERRI

This study examined substance abuse ;its causes and effects among students at Imo State University, Owerri. The study employed a cross-sectional design to provide a snapshot of substance use patterns and related factors within this student population. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 400 students, with 383 valid responses used in analysis. Findings revealed a high awareness of substance abuse (97.4%), with 51.7% of respondents acknowledging personal use. Alcohol and tobacco are the most commonly used substances, reported by 36.5% and 39.2% of users, respectively, while harder substances such as cocaine and codeine showed minimal or no reported use. The primary causes of substance abuse identified include peer pressure (40.5%) and academic stress (31.3%), reflecting the influence of social circles and academic demands. The impact of substance abuse on students’ lives is evident, with 24.8% experiencing negative effects, predominantly in academic performance, health, and behavior. Most respondents perceive substance abuse as contributing to social issues like crime and violence (47.0%). Preventive measures favored by participants include awareness programs (39.2%) and stricter disciplinary actions (31.3%), with 65.2% supporting the involvement of family in substance abuse awareness efforts. The study concludes that a multifaceted approach, incorporating awareness initiatives, family engagement, and peer education, is necessary to address substance abuse effectively in this context. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term effects of substance use among students and to assess intervention efficacy over time.