Drug Abuse: Future of Nigerian Youths?

The Rising Menace of Drug abuse in the 21st century cannot be overemphasized among Nigerian youths as this has eaten deep into the society.

The subject of drug abuse has generated several debates in Nigeria from agencies, media, and even the National assembly as the problem is fast becoming a menace and a time bomb that will explode soonest if not addressed.

A good number of Nigerian youths have been mentioned in the most high profile cases of drug abuse across the world which has, in turn, made both internal and external observers question the mental state of ‘our future leaders’.

The abuse of drugs causes serious damage to users as a majority of them suffer social, physical and emotional stress. This results in strained relationships, physical injuries from possible convulsions and a whole lot more. Cases such as this leave the associated families and friends in a state of confusion as they bear the brunt of the actions and inactions of victims.

Any substance that causes a temporary physiological or psychological change in the body when injected, smoked or consumed is called a Drug. The prolonged use of drugs also leads to health problems such as aid respiratory problems, lung cancer, and other terminal diseases.

Prescription drugs legally requires a medical prescription to be dispensed.

Misuse of prescription drug leads to abuse which means taking a medication in a manner or dose other than approved prescription; taking drugs fоr reasons other thаn іntеndеd mеdісаl purposes whісh rеѕultѕ іn рhуѕісаl, mental and emotional іmраіrmеnt of thе individual.; or taking medication to feel euphoria (i.e, to get high).

According to Nigerian Senate,3 million bottles of Codeine, tramadol,Rohypnol, marijuana, and other opioids are consumed by youths across the country, an alarming trend that has subtly eaten deep into the nation.

The causes of Drug abuse has been broadly credited to Depression, Peer pressure, Unemployment amongst others.

NARRATIVE ON DRUG ABUSE

To combat this problem, the Nigerian government sometime last month placed a ban on codeine and shut down some pharmaceuticals. But do we think this is enough to stop our youth from abusing drugs?

We can applaud the government but then more can be done as addicts go to the extent of using retinol cocktails, tramadol rather than codeine.

Yes, more can be done as an addict would not stop taking drugs until he gets reorientation and makes up his mind to change no matter the ban on drugs. The government should educate Youths on dangers of drug overdose through open campaign rallies in public places like NYSC camps, motor parks, Universities, and other Mosques and Churches which are places where we have a high concentration of youth.

Also, a campaign against drug abuse can be introduced on social media platforms, secondary schools curriculum. However, a family of an addict, who pleaded anonymously, speaking on the solution to drug abuse said the ban on codeine is just a temporary measure by the Nigerian government as addicts will always find another way to get drugs which I agree to.

He, however, suggested massive awareness on dangers of drugs abuse at all levels of the government, reorientation in schools, higher institutions, and offices all over the country.

Also, a source identified as Akinade blamed increasing unemployment rate, depression for rising cases of drug abuse in the country.

He also urged Parents and guardians of youths between ages 17-18years to play an important role by monitoring the type of friends their wards move with regularly.

It is a popular belief that youths are the leaders of tomorrow but what is the hope of our future if youths are destroying their future?