Alcohol and illicit Drug Abuse Among Children and Adolescence in Jos Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, demographic

Characteristics of the study population and type of substance abused among children and adolescents below the age of 18 years.

Method :1160 patients below the age of 18 years who had attended psychiatric care between December 1980 and November 1996 had their case notes scrutinized in details and records of substance abuse, demographic and clinical characteristics were noted.

Results: 36(3.09%) patients presented with drug and alcohol related problems, at various stages of substance abuse. 32(88.89%) were males while 4(11.11%) were females.

12(33.33%) patients had abused cannabis 9(25.00%) patients had abused more than one substance. 3(8.33%) patients used alcohol exclusively.

Conclusion

1. People less than 18 yeas were less likely to use alcohol compare to illicit drugs

2. Religious belief was not a determinant in the use of substance among children and adolescents below the age of 18 years.

Highland Medical Research Journal Vol.1(3) 2003: 18-22