Drug abuse and Nigerian youths

Teenagers and youths between the ages of 15 and 30 constitute the high risk groups with females also getting involved. Other groups of abusers are drivers, conductors, civil servants and artistes.  The drugs or substances that are being taken can be illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin or legal substances such as prescription drugs like […]

Teenagers and youths between the ages of 15 and 30 constitute the high risk groups with females also getting involved. Other groups of abusers are drivers, conductors, civil servants and artistes.  
The drugs or substances that are being taken can be illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin or legal substances such as prescription drugs like paracetamol, chloroquin etc when used in excess or without medical prescription. Given the enormous damage narcotics do to humanity, no effort should be spared in curbing this menace.  
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) can still raise the tempo of its effectiveness by investing heavily on technological devices that can enhance its ability to detect drug traffickers or consumers to thwart and frustrate their efforts.  
The agency and relevant stakeholders should also embark on sustained public enlightenment campaigns against consumption of illicit drugs using bill boards, radio/TV jingles, fliers, banners, pamphlets etc.
The once-suggested plan to introduce the campaign against the use of hard drugs into secondary school curriculum should also be encouraged.  
Moreover, it is most heart-rending to know that there are tons of drugs in circulation which are either adulterated or have old NAFDAC numbers on them, or expired but are still being consumed by ignorant and unsuspecting Nigerians.  
Another dimension to drug abuse is that most youths take them to help boost their immune systems but this ultimately causes damage to their bodies.  
Addiction to drugs/substances can be emotional, psychological, biochemical dependent or a combination of the three. Users who are psychologically dependent feel that they need drugs in order to feel good about themselves, whereas those who are emotionally dependent need increasingly larger doses of drugs in order to achieve the initial effects and will suffer from withdrawal symptoms when they stop.
Cannabis and Indian hemp are the most frequently abused drugs in Nigeria, followed by amphetamines and to a lesser extent heroin and cocaine. Organic solvents are also becoming increasingly popular especially among street people.
Anxiety, frustration and economic depression, unemployment and social deprivation are among the many reasons linked to drugs abuse, while the belief among long distance drivers and some law enforcement agents is that narcotics will increase their energy level for long and tedious hours.  
Drug abuse can totally be overcome and eradicated in Nigeria through government intervention projects and the important role that parents are expected to play.
Recently, the Kano State government intervened by rehabilitating schools in the state, meant to mould and restore youths involved in drugs abuse. The aim is to shape their lives for a brighter future.
Fatima Aliyu is a final year student of Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano