Youths all over the world (Nigeria inclusive) prefer an autonomous and independent lifestyle that is free from adult control thereby engaging in various deliquent acts. Such acts include drug abuse, rape, armed robbery, cultism etc. These are not only dangerous to the home, community, school but also to the nation at large.
The impact of drug abuse among the youths in Nigeria has lead to the surge in moral decadence, violence, thuggery, assault, madness and murder
WHAT IS DRUG ABUSE
The National Agency For Food And Drug Control (NAFDAC) (2000) explained the term drug abuse as “an excessive and persistent self-administration of a drug without regard to the medically or culturally accepted pattern”
The World Book Encyclopedia (2004) defined drug abuse as “the non–medical use of a drug that interferes with a healthy and productive life”
DRUGS ABUSED IN NIGERIA
The common drugs abused in Nigeria are stimulants, hallucinogens, narcotics, and sedatives.
Stimulants acts directly and stimulates the brain. In the initial stage, the person experiences pleasant effects like energy increase. An example is caffeine.
Hallucinogens alter sensory processing unit in the brain, produces distorted perception, feeling of anxiety, euphoria, sadness and inner joy. Examples are marijuana, LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide).
Narcotics relieves pains, induces sleep. Examples are heroin, codeine, opium, tramadol. This group is commonly abused by youths.
Sedatives are most widely abused. These induce sleep, ease tension and causes relaxation. Examples include valium, alcohol.
Other drugs abused are volatile solvents and inhalants. These produce euphoria, emotional dis-inhibition and perpetual distortion of thought. Examples are glues, petrol, spot removers, pit latrines.
CAUSES OF DRUG ABUSE
The causes of drug abuse include experimental curiosity which occurs as a result of the youth trying on new things including drugs. Subsequently dependence on these drugs sets in and he/she is hooked on it.
Peer group influence is also a factor implicating as a harbinger of drug abuse. A youth whose friends abuse drugs can easily be influence by such antisocial behavior. The school, social gathering and religious places are common places where such contamination occur.
Lack of parental supervision is a major factor precipitating the rise of drug abuse in our society. A situation where parents leave the home for work early in the morning to return late at night leaving the child in the care of the house-keepers and neighbours is not encouraging. They indirectly leave the child at the mercy of drug peddlers and abusers who may masquerade as neighbours, friends and house-keepers.
Many youths with personality disorders are predisposed to drug abuse. Such disorders include paranoid personality disorder, antisocial disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder etc. These disorders should be diagnosed early and appropriate therapy instituted.
The poor control of drug in Nigeria is a major factor causing the high incidence of drug abuse. In every street corner, there is a patent medicine seller, chemist or pharmacy selling prescription only drugs without a doctor’s prescription. This results to anybody having unhindered access to drugs of abuse and in any dosage.
FEATURES OF DRUG ABUSE AND ITS ADDICTION
In order to stem the high trend of drug abuse, it is pertinent we x-ray the features seen in drug abuse and its addiction.
Chief among these include signs of drug used and drug paraphernalia, possession of drug related items like pipes, rolling paper, possession of drugs, seeds, leaves in ashtrays or pockets of clothes.
The smell of drugs, incense or other cover up scents .
Youths battling drug abuse may identify with drug culture and music, drug related magazines, slogan in clothing etc .
They may also exhibit hostility whenever drug abuse is being discussed.
Signs of physical deterioration caused by drug abuse include memory lapses, poor physical coordination, slurred and incoherent speech, bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils.
Obvious changes in behavior include a distinct downward performance in school or work, increased absenteeism, chronic dishonesty, lying, cheating and stealing.
This may also lead to increased trouble with police, increasing and inappropriate anger, hostility, reduced motivation, energy, self discipline and self esteem.
EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE IN THE SOCIETY
The effect of drug abuse in the society is enormous. Socially, emotionally and physically, the toil is unquantifiable.
The social effects of drug abuse include isolation from family and friends leading to a breakdown of relationship and family dis-integration. It also put a financial strain on family and government resources.
The physical (health) effects of drug abuse is too numerous to mention. It is a fact that these drugs virtually affect all the systems of the body leading to a slow or accelerated death.
These include hyperthermia, malnutrition, impaired immune system, hypertension, vessel damage, heart attack and stroke. Others include rapid heart rate and shortness of breath, jerky movement, convulsion and loss of coordination.
It is very important we mention it that “a large dose of codeine can completely stop the heart or respiratory system.
HOW DO WE CURB DRUG ABUSE
In order to circumvent and curb the menace, the role of advocacy is much needed.
The family, schools, social and religious bodies should rise up to the challenge.
The political will of government in all levels is important to turn off the inferno threatening to engulf us all as a nation.
The establishment of family education on drugs should be encouraged since the family forms the nucleus of social organization. Parents should educate children appropriately on drugs, informing them on dangers of drug abuse.
We are also advocating for the establishment and funding of counselling centres for drug control. Each centre to be established in every community by govt. or private individuals with qualified health counsellors employed. Their job will involve helping drug addicts by giving special advice including withdrawal symptoms.
The advocacy will not end without mentioning that drug education being taught at all levels of education, in churches, mosques, market places , motor parks etc.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should be encouraged to intensify their campaign on drug abuse.
In conclusion drug abuse is a problem causing a serious concern to both individuals and government all over the world.
The problem is prevalent among individuals especially the youths who are in most cases ignorant about the dangers of drug abuse.
Many engage in drug abuse out of frustration, poverty, lack of parental supervision, peer influence and pleasure.
HOPE FOR THOSE BATTLING DRUG ABUSE AND ITS ADDICTION
However, with effective awareness campaign on this menace, a strong will by all stakeholders , coupled with counselling and rehabilitation, the problem can be tackled squarely.
To this end I say like I always do “run away from drugs before drugs will run you down”
If you or someone you know is battling drug abuse and its addiction. Contact the following:
- Mentally Aware Nigeria (MANI) 08064888643, 09032419184, 08136770508,email: contact@mentallyaware.org
- Boulevard Consult email: boulevardconsults@gmail.com
References
Fareo, O (2012): Drug abuse among Nigerian adolescents: Strategies for counselling, Journal for International Social Research; vol 5 issue 20 pp 341-346
Addulahi, Z (2009) “Drug abuse among Youths: Strategies for school counselling”, the Nigerian Society of Educational Psychologists, Jos: Nigeria pp 131-136
Adesina, S.(1975):The use of indian hemp and drugs among secondary school students in Lagos, Lagos: University Press
Adolescents Health Information Project (AHIP) (2001). Drug abuse, Unpublished Pamplets,Kano; AHIP Centre
Nice write up. Wish the government will do alot to fight this in this our country.. God help us..