An all-inclusive approach to curbing the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria

Drug abuse is a global trend that is affecting every country in varying degrees. In Nigeria, drug abuse is gradually becoming a culture as youths in different communities are engaging in the habit of using psychoactive substances like alcohol and illicit drugs which can be harmful to human health. Substance abuse comes in many different […]

Drug abuse is a global trend that is affecting every country in varying degrees. In Nigeria, drug abuse is gradually becoming a culture as youths in different communities are engaging in the habit of using psychoactive substances like alcohol and illicit drugs which can be harmful to human health. Substance abuse comes in many different forms and can happen for many different reasons. Some common reasons why people may abuse drugs are to drive pleasure, out of curiosity, to relieve stress, to ease pain, because it is available, peer pressure and so on.

The 2021 world drug report produced by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime reveals that almost half a million people were killed in 2019 as a result of drug use, while drug use disorders resulted in 18 million years of healthy lives lost, mostly due to opioids. One in four deaths result from illicit drug use and more deaths, illnesses and disabilities are associated with drug abuse than any other preventable health condition. People suffering from drug and alcohol addiction also have a higher risk of unintentional injuries, accidents and domestic violence incidents. According to research, some drug users, particularly those who inject drugs, are living with HIV and Hepatitis C.

Recently, in the south-east, there were reports of the consumption of an illicit drug called methamphetamine locally known as ‘mkpuru mmiri’, a highly potent, cheap, and accessible stimulant drug. In northern Nigeria, codeine cough syrup addiction is common among youths. Some of them are hooked on this highly addictive opioid which can trigger schizophrenia and cause organ failure, among other things.

Drug abuse negatively impacts economic and social development and constitutes a fundamental threat to health, security, community and the nation. Young people are the most valuable assets for sustainable social development in any society, but most of this population lacks awareness of the true nature of substance addiction which would empower them to escape drug abuse.

Despite existing drug laws, policies and strategic plans, the burden of drug abuse in Nigeria is growing, especially among the younger population, males, undergraduates, secondary school students and commercial drivers. This burden may continue to rise if stringent measures and sustainable interventions are not employed to curb the drug abuse menace. These should be all-inclusive as the government, religious bodies, non-governmental organisations, as well as individuals all have a role to play.

A societal culture that protects and promotes the human rights of people who use drugs and encourages people to access health-care services voluntarily without stigma or fear of recrimination reduces barriers and facilitates access to a range of services and interventions that address drug use disorders and social integration, especially for individuals from population groups with specific needs who are suffering from drug use disorders.

The availability of, and access to services that can help address the adverse health and social consequences of drug use will help to achieve the desired outcome of reducing this burden in Nigeria. The National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2015 – 2019, a national blueprint for addressing the complex issues of drug trafficking, production, cultivation, and abuse in Nigeria is currently out of date.  The government at Federal, State and Local levels should review existing drug laws to include stiffer penalties for offenders. Drug-related agencies should be given the necessary funds and support to ensure that they are well equipped to fight the drug abuse menace.

Parents need to educate their children early on the risks associated with drug abuse. Topics centered on the dangers of drug use should be introduced in schools. There should be deliberate and human centered treatment and rehabilitation for individuals who need counselling and support to overcome drug abuse.

Federal, state and local governments, as well as private organisations should collaborate to ensure that drug rehabilitation centres are established in their localities. Consequently, effective local alternatives can be developed to address drug abuse through community-focused approaches that identify, engage, counsel and rehabilitate those dealing with drug addiction.

 

Patience Adejo is a Programme Coordinator at Nigeria Health Watch.