Drug abuse among youths is a public health concern that has several social, economic, and health consequences. Understanding the variables and underlying factors linked to drug abuse is critical for establishing effective prevention and intervention. The study was conducted in Kwara state (covering University of Ilorin, Kwara State University, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State Polytechnic). A total of 410 students were included in the study using multi-stage sampling technique. Quantitative was applied. Frequency counts, graphs, Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to identify drug abuse practice and predictors. The result revealed that the common drug abuse by students were codeine, Elle (a mixture of codeine and other substances), Gerigemu (a mixture of thorn apple and ogogoro), Marijuana/ Canadian-Loud/CDB/ Cananbis, Methylamine (Methyl), Refnol and tramadol. The easy access and the availability of codeine (with different mixture like Sprit Drinks), Marijuana/ Canadian-Loud/CDB/ Cananbis of the respondents had significant relationship regards abusing these drugs, while Xylozine (Tranq) has no significant relationship. There is significant relationship between drug abuse practices and common drug abuse among students, Kwara State.The study had revealed that the common drug abuse recently by students in Kwara stare were codeine, Elle (a mixture of codeine and other substances), Gerigemu (a mixture of thorn apple and ogogoro), Marijuana/ Canadian-Loud/CDB/ Cananbis, Methylamine (Methyl), Refnol, tramadol. There is significant relationship between drug abuse practices and common drug abuse among students, also, experiment users, dependency and high-risk behaviour significantly contributed to common drug abuse among students, Kwara State.
Keywords: Drug Abuse, and its predictors, drug abuse practice
