Gender differences in drug use and source of influence among adolescents: a Nigerian study

The study examined the pattern of drug use and source of influence among a sample selected through the purposive non-probability procedure. Participants were 202 adolescents (118 males and 84 females) who responded to a semi-structured interview. Results revealed that six types of drugs were frequently used by adolescents. Group of friends, close friends and personal motives were found to be the main sources of influence in drug use among adolescents. These findings imply that adolescents evince a peculiar pattern of drug use due to influence from significant others. It is recommended that counselling programmes which focus on cognitive reorientation towards drug use and the need to keep good friends be set up for adolescents. Relevant agencies should also enforce restrictions on the sale of drugs without valid prescription. Journal of Psychology in Africa 2004, 14(2): 111–11