Abstract

Substance abuse among youth in Nigeria, especially in Lagos Metropolis, is emerging as a critical public health and social concern. Africa's population is growing annually by about 3%, with the youth demographic expected to reach 258 million by 2025, representing almost 20% of the continent's total population in the 15–24 age bracket. The current study examined the effects of substance abuse on gangsterism, excessive smoking, and road-blocking behaviours among youth in Lagos metropolis. The study adopted the descriptive survey design and collected primary data from 169 youth in the Bariga Local Council Development Area of Lagos State. The instrument exhibited a reliability level reflected by a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.812, indicating a high degree of reliability. Analytical techniques including frequency distribution table, and one sample t-test were used to analyse the collected data. The findings of the study revealed that substance abuse significantly influences excessive smoking, the propensity for gangsterism, and road-blocking tendencies habits in youth in the Lagos metropolis. This study, therefore, recommends among other, that, a comprehensive, community-focused intervention strategy is essential. The incorporation of drug education into school curricula across all levels will foster early understanding of the risks associated with drug use. Secondly, religious organizations both Christian and Muslim ought to be empowered to provide value-oriented rehabilitation and awareness initiatives, considering their influence among the study population