Using a self administered questionnaire, data were collected from 239 Nigerian students studying at three universities in the United States. The substances included in the study were tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, amphetamines, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, tranquillizers, sedatives, and opiates. Findings show that alcohol was the substance most used, and tobacco, second. The reasons for taking drugs were also given by the students. An attempt to explain these reasons is given by the authors. 9 references. (Author abstract modified)