Drug abuse prevalent among teenagers, young adults

The survey which was released last week showed that the most abused substance in Nigeria is marijuana followed by Codeine (Cough Syrup) and Alcohol (in whatever from). According to the report the causes for the rise in drug and substance abuse are listed as poverty and unemployment.  The World Health Organization (WHO) describes drugs and […]

The survey which was released last week showed that the most abused substance in Nigeria is marijuana followed by Codeine (Cough Syrup) and Alcohol (in whatever from).
According to the report the causes for the rise in drug and substance abuse are listed as poverty and unemployment.
 The World Health Organization (WHO) describes drugs and substance abuse as “the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs”.  
It also refers to a condition in which a person consumes the substance in quantities or with procedures which are not approved or monitored medically.
Substance and drugs abuse encompasses the use of “mood-altering or psycho-active drugs; illicit drugs – narcotics; stimulants; depressants (sedatives); hallucinogens; cannabis; glues and paints. Substance abuse often includes problems with impulse control and impulsive behavior”.
 It noted that there is an increase in drugs and substance abuse especially amongst young adults, with no exclusion to Nigeria.
 In 2011 the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported that Nigeria was top on the chart in drug/substance abuse in Africa.
 It also reported that Nigerians are the largest abusers of cannabis in Africa. Furthermore, the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which is in charge of monitoring and controlling the abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs, reported that within the period of 1999 to 2007  alone, about 2,267,830.53 kilograms of various illegal drugs and substances were seized all over Nigeria.
 On June 26th, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was commemorated.
This day is set aside by the United Nations to recap the goals established by stakeholder states towards eradicating drug abuse and attaining an international society that is free of drug abuse.
The effect of drugs on individuals and the society at large cannot be over emphasized.
Drug addiction and substance abuse can be linked to various ill effects in the society.
Several findings have shown that substance abuse to a large extent is directly related to the increase in crime and violence in the country.
 A number of abusers, especially youths and young adults, have been identified to be involved in armed robbery and daring exploits.  
Substance abuse has also been linked, to a certain level, to early school dropout and a number of HIV/AIDS cases due to the sharing of needles in the course of administrating drugs.
 Based on this background, NOI Polls conducted its latest poll on drugs and substance abuse in Nigeria in order to explore the awareness of Nigerians regarding the issue, in the areas of: the most abused drugs and substance in Nigeria; the predominant age group of abusers; causes of drugs and substance abuse, as well as remedies to curb the issue.