DRUG is an effective substance in the life of any living thing to cure sickness and to make life healthy. Drugs are used for therapeutic purposes and are effective substance for good health, but they are being abused by people, especially youth. They use drugs illegally and unlawfully, thus they become harmful to the body. The impact of drug abuse among Nigerian youth has been considered a moral crisis. Drug abuse has had a negative impact and brought shame to our society. Nigerian youth are deliberately using drugs illegally unlawfully and intentionally. Drugs are essentially poisons. The amount taken determines the effect. A small amount acts as a stimulant (speeds you up) a greater amount acts as sedative (slows you down) an even larger amount poisons and can kill, drugs can be in form of tablets, capsules, liquid, powder, crystal and even, vapour. Drug abuse is one of the most pressing public health issues of our time, affecting individuals, families, and communities around the globe. With rising addiction rates, escalating overdose deaths, and profound social consequences, understanding the complexities of drug abuse is vital. This article delves into the various aspects of drug abuse, including its causes, effects, and—most importantly—effective solutions for prevention and recovery.
Drug abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including illegal drugs, prescription medications, and alcohol. It is characterised by an individual’s inability to control their substance use despite the harmful consequences that arise from it. This compulsive behavior often leads to addiction, a chronic disease that affects the brain’s structure and function. Substances abused include prescription medications. Opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants are frequently misused. The rise of prescription drug abuse has become a significant public health concern. Alcohol: is a socially accepted drugs Which is legal, alcohol is a major contributor to substance abuse issues. Binge drinking and alcohol dependence can lead to numerous health and social problems. Inhalants: Substances such as glue, paint thinners, and nitrous oxide are often misused, particularly by adolescents, leading to serious health risks. Cannabis: With increasing legalisation, cannabis use has risen, but misuse can still lead to addiction and negative consequences for certain individuals. Illegal drugs: These include substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. Their use is often accompanied by severe health risks and legal consequences. Some of these drugs are: Cocaine, heroin, marijuana (Indian Hemp) tramadol codeine, Ephedrine, LSD PCP, Pemoline, Rohypnol, Diazepam or Valium/Librium etc.
Drug abuse is a global epidemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 35 million people suffer from drug use disorders worldwide. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) states that drug-related deaths have risen significantly over the past two decades, with synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, contributing to a dramatic increase in mortality rates. In the United States, the opioid crisis has captured national attention. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that in 2020 alone, nearly 70,000 people died from drug overdoses, with opioids involved in over 60% of these deaths. The CDC also notes that the overdose death rate has skyrocketed over the past few years, with synthetic opioids being the leading cause of this alarming trend.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria reported significant concerns regarding drug abuse in the country. According to the 2021 National Drug Use Survey, approximately 14.3% of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 had used drugs in the previous year, which translates to about 14.3 million people. The most commonly abused substances include cannabis, opioids, and cocaine. Additionally, the rising trend of substance abuse among youths has been alarming, with many turning to drugs due to various factors such as socio-economic challenges, peer pressure, and mental health issues. Drug abuse does not discriminate; it affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. However, certain demographics are at a higher risk. Young adults aged 18-25 have the highest rates of substance use, often influenced by peer pressure and social factors. Additionally, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face higher risks due to stressors such as poverty and unemployment. Understanding the root causes of drug abuse is essential for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. The factors contributing to substance abuse can be categorized into biological, psychological, and social influences.
Genetics plays a significant role in addiction susceptibility. Research indicates that individuals with a family history of substance abuse are more likely to develop similar issues. Neurobiological factors, including imbalances in brain chemistry and the reward system, can also predispose individuals to drug abuse. Mental health disorders are closely linked to substance abuse. Many individuals struggle with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, which can lead to substance use as a form of self-medication. Addressing these underlying psychological issues is crucial for effective treatment. The social environment in which an individual lives significantly influences their likelihood of engaging in substance abuse. Factors such as peer pressure, family dynamics, and community norms can all contribute to drug use behaviors. Additionally, the availability of drugs in a community can facilitate abuse.
Socioeconomic Influences
Poverty, lack of education, and unemployment are major risk factors for drug abuse. Individuals facing economic hardships may turn to drugs as a coping mechanism to escape their reality. Addressing these socioeconomic issues is vital for prevention.
Effects of Drug Abuse
The consequences of drug abuse extend far beyond the individual, impacting families, communities, and society as a whole.
Health Consequences
Drug abuse leads to numerous health issues, including:
Physical Health Problems: Chronic diseases such as liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and infectious diseases (e.g., HIV/AIDS, hepatitis) are common among substance abusers.
Mental Health Issues: Increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders are prevalent among individuals with substance use disorders. The interplay between mental health and substance abuse creates a vicious cycle that can be challenging to break.
Overdose Risks: The risk of overdose is particularly alarming in the context of opioid misuse. Many individuals are unaware of the potency of the drugs they are using. Taking a dose higher than what the body can tolerate increases the risk of overdose. This is particularly critical for those with lower tolerance due to infrequent use or those who have recently stopped using and then resumed.Age, weight, health status, and genetic factors can influence how a person metabolizes drugs, affecting their risk of overdose.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES (SOLUTION)
The preventive measure is the avoidance of problems associated with the drug abuse. It is pre-emptive measurer taken to ensure that drug abuse does not occur. The aim of prevention is to stop the occurrence of drug abuse and to minimize its effects. Thus, preventions are a proactive process to promote a healthy life style. Consequently, three preventive strategies are usually adopted. These include,
- Primary Prevention
- Secondary Prevention
- Tertiary Prevention.
In Primary Prevention, it is targeted at those who have not experimented with drugs. That is, those who have not used bad drugs before. The aim of primary prevention is to stop the first use of drug by creating sufficient awareness on the effects of drugs
In Secondary Prevention: it is concerned with the treatment of drug users here, the user will go through counseling, detoxification and drug therapy.
In tertiary prevention: it has to do with rehabilitation and social reintegration of treated drug users. The aim here, is to give them support in order to go back to the society as useful citizens/persons. Family members have a big role to play here.
COPING SKILLS
Another preventive measure in drug abuse is the coping skills coping skills are the abilities required to resist illicit/illegal drug use and trading these skills are grouped into five as follows;
- Decision making skills
- Interpersonal relation skills
- Communication skills
- Refused skills
- Assertive skills
All these skills are called coping skills because you need to develop the skills to withstand any negative pressure from friends and peer group use drugs. It is important now for you to know how to apply these coping skills in everyday life.
They include the following:
- Arm yourself with information about drugs
- Be assertive while saying no
- change the topic
- Suggest the person and walk away
- Ignore places where drugs are used
- be involved in hobbies
- Avoid people who us drugs
- Build self-esteem, be always confident
- Obey rules and regulations in school
- When in problem, confides in your parents and or teachers
- Always report those using or selling drugs
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Conclusion.
Drug is a substance that affects the function of aliving cell, which is used to cure and prevent the of occurrence of illness. A drug becomes a “medicine” when it is used to save life, it becomes“poison” when it causes death, it becomes “mis use” when people indulge in self-medication to cure illness and it becomes “abuse” when it is used indiscriminately. Due to the habitual use of drugs, addicts especially youths cannot dowithoutit and it has been a problem to our country Nigeria andtheworldingeneral. The impact of drug abuse among the Nigeriayouths has been a stigma to the society. Drug abuse remains a significant public health challenge that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide. The complexities surrounding substance use—ranging from psychological and social factors to economic conditions—underscore the need for comprehensive strategies that address prevention, education, treatment, and harm reduction. By fostering a supportive environment that promotes awareness and understanding, we can work towards reducing stigma and encouraging those affected to seek help. Collaborative efforts among governments, healthcare providers, and community organizations are essential in creating effective policies and programs aimed at combating drug abuse. Ultimately, a commitment to addressing the root causes of substance use and providing accessible resources can lead to healthier, more resilient communities, paving the way for a brighter future free from the devastating impacts of drug addiction.
- Olayanju, a media practitioner, is based in Oyo State.
