Background There is the belief, contrary to available data, that psychoactive substance use is low in northern Nigeria, on account of the closed nature of the society and the wrong influence of Islam.
Aim To sensitize clinicians to the magnitude of psychoactive substance use and misuse in the region.
Method A review of published work in psychoactive substance use and misuse from the region.
Results Rates of use of various psychoactive substances are comparable to those reported from the south, but in the case of amphetamines, volatile solvents, local/indigenous plants, rates of use probably outstrip those found in the
south. The use of heroin and cocaine is however low among the population of this region.
Conclusion The magnitude of use of psychoactive substances in the region is of immense public health concern and urgent steps are needed
to address it.
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