DRUG ABUSE AMONG TERTIARY INSTITUTION STUDENTS IN SOKOTO METROPOLIS: IMPLICATION FOR BEHAVIOURAL COUNSELLING

Abstract

Drug use and abuse is a major problem among tertiary institution students. The issue has been examined 
from various perspectives including the physical, psychological and social implications. This paper delved 
into the implications of drug abuse among tertiary institution students in terms of their behavioural 
counselling. The paper discussed the prevalence of drug abuse among tertiary institution students and the 
associated risks. Consequently, the paper reviewed existing literature on the problem, focusing on drug use, 
drug abuse, causes, symptoms and effects of drug abuse among students of tertiary institutions. The paper 
concludes that drug use in students partially mediated the effect of their externalizing behaviors on college 
completion, students externalizing also had direct effects on both students reading achievement and on 
degree completion among others. The paper therefore, suggested among others that schools and governments 
should create and promote-alcohol free events for students, support students club and organizations that are 
substance free create and promote service learning and volunteer opportunities, require community service 
work as part of the academic curriculum and promote consumption of non-alcoholic beverages and food at 
events; schools should enforce strict rules on alcohol and drug abuse by requiring all social events during 
orientation of first year to be alcohol free, disseminate responsible host guidelines for both on and off 
campus parties, install a responsible beverages service program, advertise food and activities such as 
dancing or sport; lastly, an effective and functional counselling unit in tertiary institutions will go a long way 
to play a major role in preventing and rehabilitating drug abusers.