Publication on alcohol, tobacco and other substance use in sub-Saharan Africa

ASU researchers from the School of Social Work collaborated with researchers from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Namibia to publish their review of substance use in Africa. The article was published in the December 2025 issue of the African Journal of Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

Under the leadership of Flavio Marsiglia, Regent’s professor, and Chao-Kai Huang, PhD candidate from the WATTS School of Social Work, analyzed over 60 different studies ranging from 2014 to 2024 of young people under 20. The most commonly used substances across sub-Saharan Africa were alcohol, tobacco and stimulants like khat and cannabis. Grouping by subregions, substance use was as high as 44.6% in Southern Africa and alcohol use was over 50% in parts of Eastern Africa among young people. The study also identified the substantial absence of substance use data in Central African countries. The data shows men consistently were more likely to be using substances over women.

This study is the first in a series of three studies emphasizing the importance of partnering with local partners to develop prevention programs tailored to specific contexts, ultimately promoting youth health and well-being across the continent.

To read the study, click this link.
For more about the expansion and need of intervention programs, read this article.