Abstract

Background: The age at which individuals initiate the abuse of psychoactive substances is crucial, as early onset can have devastating consequences, especially in the long term.
Objective: To determine the Sociodemographic determinants of age at initiation of Psychoactive Substance use among rehabilitation clients in Northwestern Nigeria
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at two drug rehabilitation centers. Clients were recruited consecutively over 2years. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Chi-square is used to assess for associations, and binary logistic regression was used to assess for determinants, considering p < 0.05 as statistically significant
Results: Most participants initiated drug abuse at a younger age. The mean and modal age of initiating drug abuse were 19.45 years and 18 years, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between the age of onset and age category, marital status, religion, level of education, employment status, and family type. Education level, employment status, and family type remained as independent determinants.
Conclusion: The study revealed that the age of initiating the abuse of psychoactive substances coincides with adolescence and the young adult period and that multiple sociodemographic factors play a significant role.

Key words: Keywords: Drug abuse, Psychoactive substance, Rehabilitation, Nigeria, Drugs.