By: Adebowale Bello, Freelance Health Writer. With medical review and editorial support by the Datelinehealth Africa Team
Youth substance use is a menace to any society, let alone a developing one. Bustling with a teeming number of youths, Nigeria faces an ever increasing amount of substance use cases.
According to statistics by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), approximately 14.3 million Nigerians are involved in the illicit abuse of drugs.
Substance use is so prevalent that it has found its way to secondary schools nationwide and this can be traced to the increased drug trafficking in the country, thereby making these drugs readily accessible. Some of these substances include Cocaine, Methamphetamine and cannabis.
A 2019 study conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) discovered that 10.6% of Nigerians have consumed cannabis at least once in their lifetime.
Why is substance use in young Nigerians on the increase?
While a comprehensive consideration is available here, some key factors responsible for the increased consumption of recreational drugs by Nigerian youths include:
Peer pressure plays a significant role in influencing Nigerian youths toward Substance use by creating an environment that normalizes and encourages substance use.
Teenagers may feel the urge to fit in and be one of the “big boys” or “big girls” and they don't mind taking such drugs to look cool and popular.
Furthermore, the lack of awareness and education surrounding the dangers of substance use among Nigerian youths leaves them vulnerable to the influence of peer pressure as they underestimate the damaging effects of such drugs.
The widespread availability and accessibility of illicit drugs contributes significantly to abuse of drugs by teenagers. A combination of weak, corrupt law enforcement, porous borders and inadequate regulatory control creates an environment where illicit substances can easily find their way into communities, particularly in urban areas where drug trafficking networks thrive.
Drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine are readily available in many Nigerian cities and are often sold openly in marketplaces, slums, clubs and bars.
In addition, the internet and social media platforms are used to connect dealers and buyers thereby enabling discreet and seamless transactions of these illegal drugs, hence making it increasingly difficult for enforcement agencies to intercept these trades.
With an official unemployment rate of 5% and prevailing economic challenges in Nigeria, it is no surprise that many youths seek comfort in drugs. Unemployment is a huge reason why youths abuse drugs.
A daily struggle to survive coupled with lack of access to quality food, affordable healthcare and adequate housing weighs heavily on the minds of young people. The lack of employment opportunities, coupled with economic instability and limited prospects for the future creates an environment where young people rely on drugs as a coping mechanism to try to escape reality.
Drugs may offer a temporary reprieve from the harsh realities of unemployment, providing a sense of euphoria, numbness, or altered perception that temporarily distracts from the challenges of everyday life.
Many Nigerian youths are living with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and several other mood disorders and these conditions worsen because they lack the resources to adequately manage these conditions. As a result, they may turn to substance use as a means of self-medication or coping mechanism for their distress.
The use of these drugs gradually worsens their symptoms leading them to consume more and the cycle of addiction continues leading to feelings of hopelessness, isolation and desperation.
1. Health Consequences: Substance use can lead to severe health problems including but not limited to heart conditions, respiratory complications, liver damage, brain disorders and increased risk of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
Mental health effects such as depression, anxiety, psychosis and brain damage are also common among youths who abuse drugs.
2. Social and Interpersonal Problems: Substance use strains relationships with family, friends and colleagues due to erratic behaviour, mood swings and impaired judgment. Individuals may withdraw from social activities and have feelings of loneliness, alienation and disconnection from others.
3. Legal and Financial Issues: Legal troubles are common with youths who abuse substances as they face arrests, criminal charges and imprisonment because they possess or traffick in illegal drugs. Additionally, substance use can cause financial strain as individuals spend money on drugs, leading to debt, bankruptcy, financial instability and dependency that can lead to criminal engagements surrogate possession and distribution.
4. Educational and Occupational Challenges: Substance use can impair academic and occupational performance, leading to poor grades, absenteeism and dropout rates among students. In the workplace, substance use can decrease productivity while leading to an increase in workplace accidents thereby jeopardizing job security and advancement opportunities.
Confronting the diverse factors driving substance use by Nigerian youths requires a multifaceted approach comprising of ongoing research and actionable policy framework for prevention, intervention and treatment. Additionally, the provision of adequate funding at all levels of government for youth employment, social activities and regular counseling and guidance in a safe and healthy environment would enable Nigerian youths to thrive, make sensible decisions and look forward to a brighter future.
© 2024. Datelinehealth Africa Inc.
Published: March 2, 2024.
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