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This is a survey research study which investigated ager and peer influence on substance abuse among undergraduates in Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. 513 undergraduates were purposively selected for the study. The researchers designed the instrument, Age and Peer Influence on Substance Abuse Inventoiy (APISAI) used in collecting data from the respondents. The data collected were analysed using percentages, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient Formula and regression statistical analysis. One of the two formulated hypotheses was accepted by the results of the finding at 0.05 level of significant. The researchers suggested that all fresh and stain students in the University should be exposed to Self Concept Assertiveness Training (SCAT) and Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Programme (SARP).
Key Words: Gender, Peer Influence, Substance Abuse and Undergraduates.
Age has to do with developmental growth of an individual. New tasks for development are highlighted as children become focused on friendship formation, concrete mental operations, skill learning, self evaluation, and team play (Newman & Newman, 1999). This mix of tasks coupled with new capacities for complex social, emotion, and intellectual activity produce a remarkable synergy for peer influence and substance abuse. Using substance or drug at a young age increases the risk of using other drugs or substance in the future or later years. Some teens will experiment and stop or continue to use occasionally without significant problems. Others will develop a dependency or addiction, often moving on to more dangerous drugs and causing significant harm to themselves and possibly to others. For the purpose of this study, age is viewed as a connecting factor affecting peer influence on substance abuse among undergraduates in Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria.
Drugs can be defined as substances that affect the senses. Olley, (2007) conceives drugs as powerful chemicals that can alter perception of self,' of others and in some cases of the environment. Odejide (1992) defined drug as a substance which when taken by a living organism may modify one or more of its functions. About 80 different drugs that are commonly abuse have been identified by W.H.O (1985) and these include Opium, Heroin, Barbiturates, Qualudes, Valium, Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamines, L.S.D. P.C. P, Hashish, Marijuana, Designer drugs and Anabolic Steroids. Originally, the word 'drugs' referred to dried plants whose...