International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Publications ISSN (Online): 2581-6187 13 Thandiwe Kasaro, Paul Chiundira, T Velmurugan, and Hotensia Chansa, “A Study on the Causes and Impacts of Drug Abuse Engagements by University Students: A Case of DMI ST Eugene and Chreso University Students,” International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Publications (IJMRAP), Volume 4, Issue 3, pp. 13-15, 2021. A Study on the Causes and Impacts of Drug Abuse Engagements by University Students: A Case of DMI ST Eugene and Chreso University Students Thandiwe Kasaro, Paul Chiundira, T Velmurugan, Hotensia Chansa DMI ST Eugene University, Zambia Email address: dmiseubsw@gmail.com Abstract— Drug abuse is one of the major problems facing the world and the youths and University students in particular are one of the categories greatly affected by drug abuse. University students in Zambia are not spared from this challenge. Therefore this study was conducted to assess the causes and impacts of drug abuse amongst University students at DMI ST Eugene University and Chreso University. The researcher employed a descriptive research design and the respondents were selected using probability sampling techniques. The key results of the study shows that drug abuse is a major challenge in the two Universities and drug abuse is having significant impact on the academic performance and the wellbeing of the students. The researcher recommends that the two Universities should put in programs robust programs to address the challenge of drug abuse in these Universities. Keywords— Drug, Drug abuse, Impact, University, Students. I. INTRODUCTION Alcohol and drug use has been a part of human societies throughout recorded history, however, for the past several decades; it has increased in prevalence particularly among college students. Research findings by (Dunn & Wang, 2003; Peltzer & Malaka, 2001) have identified that the majority of students who use drugs at university first did so prior to entering, but a significant number of students start to do so after entering university. In the researcher’s point of view, the reason for this paradigm shift is because, going to college or university can be a very exciting period but one where young people can face a number of challenges. Many students may face a wide range of challenges on an individual, interpersonal, academic, and social level for the first time in their lives, including as leaving home, establishing autonomy, making new friends, and peer pressure, which may put them at risk of substance usage (Larimer et al., 2005). Furthermore, risk variables such as drug-using peers, parental substance misuse, and mental health issues continue to play a substantial influence as contextual, individual, personality, and family factors (Canning et al., 2004). A drug is defined as a substance that causes addiction, habituation on a marked range in consciousness (Merriam- Webster Collegiate Dictionary, 1993). The definition is very comprehensive as it includes substances such as marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, cannabis and psycho-tropic substances as described in Mbatia (1994). It is important to note that some drugs are believed to be beneficial if taken within the normal limits. However the excessive use of the drugs can lead to substantial negative impacts on the mental health and wellbeing of the abusers. Drug abuse and substance abuse are terms that are used interchangeably. However, it is important to note that the term 'drug' is mainly used to refer to 'medicine', while substance abuse may include chemicals other than drugs (Hendrikz, 1986). Drug abuse is a major problem and is more evident in the youths. University students are also not excluded from this problem as literature has shown that a lot of University students abuse drugs. Various researchers has come up with reports on the causes of drugs abuse and these includes peer pressure, lack of parental guidance, freedom, alcohol abuse and other factors. However the researcher did not come across any study in Zambia that was done to compare the causes and impacts of drug abuse in two Universities in Zambia. Therefore this comparative study was conducted to find out the causes and impact of drug abuse in two Universities II. OBJECTIVES 2.1 General To examine the causes and impacts of drug abuse engagements by University students. 2.2 Specific Objectives  To assess the awareness levels on drug abuse amongst students  To find the causes of drugs on the abusers in the university  To find the impact of drugs on the abusers in the university  To assess the effective of programs addressing the abusers in the university  To provide recommendations on how to address the challenges of drug abuse III. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY There are glowing concerns amongst various education stakeholders on the impact of drug abuse amongst students. Students at DMI ST Eugene and Chreso Universities are often at the leading edge of social change; and this has been particularly true in the case of drug use. The massive upsurge in illicit drug use by students is becoming an area of great concern which needs to be addressed urgently. Therefore this study is important as it brings to light the causes and impacts of drug abuse in relation to University students. The study recommendations will be useful to the administration and