Data were analyzed from the National Survey on Substance Use (ENPreCoSP-2.008) in 6,122 cases to estimate the prevalence of psychoactive substance use and assess the association between unmet basic needs (UBN) and family income and the consumption of psychoactive substances by individuals 18-34 years of age in 10 provinces in Northern Argentina. The study conducted descriptive statistical analysis and logistic regression. Prevalence of lifetime drug use and use in the previous year and previous month were higher for legal versus illegal substances. Consumption was also higher in males. Poverty indicators were significantly associated with the consumption of legal substances. The findings show differences in consumption of psychoactive substances related to gender and poverty.