Influence of Peer Pressure on Drug Abuse Among Secondary School Students in Maiduguri, Borno State

Drug abuse among adolescents is a growing public health and social concern in Nigeria, with peer influence widely recognised as a primary risk factor. This study examines the influence of peer pressure on drug abuse behaviours among senior secondary school students in Maiduguri, Borno State, North East Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 310 students selected through stratified random sampling from six secondary schools. A structured, validated questionnaire measuring peer pressure exposure, perceived peer norms regarding drug use, actual substance use behaviour, and protective psychosocial factors was administered. Substances assessed include alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and prescription drug misuse. Findings reveal that 41 percent of respondents report exposure to peer pressure to use substances, with 27 percent acknowledging personal experience of at least one substance type. Peer normative influence is identified as the strongest predictor of personal substance use behaviour in multivariate analysis, followed by low parental monitoring and poor school connectedness. Male students are significantly more likely than females to report both peer pressure exposure and actual substance use. Protective factors including religious participation, strong teacher-student relationships, and extracurricular sports engagement are significantly associated with resistance to peer pressure. Recommendations include peer education programmes, school-based substance abuse counselling, and family strengthening interventions. This research contributes to evidence-based drug prevention programming in conflict-affected communities of North East Nigeria. Keywords: peer pressure, drug abuse, secondary school students, Borno State, substance use