Whether alcohol or drugs, substance abuse has remained a source of great concern in society today. These excessive psychoactive substances have put many in their early graves and left scores in deplorable conditions. The pleasurable effects associated with the indulgence of these chemicals create addiction or dependence, a neuropsychological disorder.
In 2021, over 270 million people were found to have used psychoactive substances. This figure is about 5.5% of the global population aged between 15 and 64. Also, about 35 million people are affected by drug use disorders (harmful patterns of drug use or drug dependence). Alarmingly, it is estimated on a global scale that over five hundred thousand deaths attributed to drug use are recorded each year, with about 350,000 male and 150,000 female deaths.
The mortality trends of many countries, including high-income countries, have seen drastic changes in the past years, largely due to the use of synthetic opioids.
Excessive use of psychoactive substances such as drugs, alcohol, pain medications, or illegal drugs can lead to physical, social, or emotional harm.
Non-medical drug use in society has an ancient history. The discovery of the mood-altering qualities of fermented fruits and substances such as opium has led to their use and often acceptance into society. Just as alcohol has a recognised place socially, so also are many psychotropics gaining slow but steady acceptance into society.
Alcohol/Drug Abuse
A pattern of drinking that interferes with the day-to-day activity of an individual is described as “abuse”. The person in question is said to have a serious drinking problem.
Alcohol is a toxic and psychoactive substance that has dependence-producing properties. Indulgence in alcoholic beverages has become a routine part of the social landscape in society today. The high visibility and societal influence spur this. Alcohol frequently accompanies socialising, hence downplaying the adverse effects of overindulgence. The devil that lurks behind the cross!
Alcohol consumption accounts for over 3 million deaths annually on a global scale and, at the same time, leaves many impoverished, disabled, and/or in very poor health conditions. This staggering figure represents 5.3% of ALL DEATHS.
Even more, a myriad of mental and behavioural disorders have been linked to the harmful use of alcohol. Beyond health complications, alcohol abuse has resulted in significant social and economic losses to many individuals of different classes, races, genders, and age groups. It is truly on a pandemic level.
The Nigerian Pandemic
World Drug Report of the year 2021 estimates that by the year 2030, the number of global drug users is expected to increase by 11% and in Africa by 40%!
The prevalence of alcohol/drug abuse in Nigeria has risen in recent years. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported that around 14.3 million Nigerians engage in drug abuse (2023). According to the agency, these individuals fall within the 15 to 64 age bracket, with a growing number of women now affected. However, arrests made for drug use and possession seem to be on the decline.
In Nigeria, alcohol is the sixth leading risk factor contributing to most deaths and disability, and the alcohol-attributable deaths in both sexes for liver cirrhosis, road traffic accidents, and cancer in 2016 were 42,120, 15,365, and 4,687, respectively.
A prevalence of 20–40% and 20.9% of drug abuse was reported among students and youths, respectively. Commonly abused drugs include cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, heroin, diazepam, codeine, cough syrup, tramadol, etc. Sources where abusers obtained drugs were pharmacies/patent medicine shops, open drug markets, drug hawkers, fellow drug abusers, friends, and drug pushers. Drug abuse was common among undergraduates and secondary school students, youths, commercial bus drivers, farmers, and sex workers.
The reasons for use range from increased physical performance to stress, increased sexual performance, and derived pleasure. Poor socioeconomic factors and low educational backgrounds are also common risk factors associated with drug abuse.
Underage Drinking
Underage drinking occurs when young people (minors) below the permissible age consume alcoholic beverages. In Nigeria, the legal drinking age is 18.
It has been found from available research that young people below the legal age consume alcoholic beverages and also engage in other forms of substance abuse in Nigeria. The impact of this practice on the ‘still-developing’ brains of these young individuals leaves a serious aftershock that follows into early adulthood and largely influences their lifestyles going forward.
Underage drinking is a serious public health problem across the world. There is a general consensus on the adverse effects of early indulgence in alcohol consumption and substance abuse. Major agencies like the UNODC have shown by research how devastating a problem this trend poses for society currently and in the future.
Nigeria is one of the leading consumers of alcoholic beverages globally in litres per year, ranking 27th in the global ranking. However, it is pertinent to note that this ranking does not cover the many unrecorded production and consumption indices in the country. Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in Nigeria. This, in turn, makes it the single most abused substance as well.
Consequences.
Excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems, including:
- High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.
- Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, oesophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.
- A weakened immune system increases the chances of getting sick.
- Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance.
- Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
Many symptoms of substance abuse manifest through physical, behavioural, and psychological signs, some of which may be visible or recognisable over time. These can include:
- Failure to fulfill one’s responsibilities (e.g., as a parent, spouse, or student)
- Taking risks such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Encounters with the law and criminal activities, both as a result of drug side effects and as a means of securing funds to feed the addiction
- Domestic abuse and recurrent fights
- Absence from work or school
- Inability to overcome cravings despite awareness of the harm caused by the drug
- Development of tolerance or the need for a higher dose of the drug than before to achieve the same degree of pleasurable sensation
- Tell-tale injection marks among needle users. People who snort or inhale the drug may have a damaged mucosal lining in the nose
- Lack of hygiene may be evident in addicts whose preoccupation with a drug has led to neglect of hygiene
- Features of severe malnutrition and vitamin deficiency
- Skin infections
- Transmission of blood-borne viral infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and C, as well as sexually transmitted infections due to risky sexual behavior, while under the influence of a substance
- Otherwise, the devastating effects of drugs will destroy the manpower and economic growth of the country
RECOMMENDATIONS
To address the growing challenge of substance abuse in Nigeria, the following recommendations are proposed:
Expand Employment Opportunities for Youth: With Nigeria’s overall unemployment rate reaching 4.3%, youth unemployment 6.5% and time-related underemployment 9.2% (NBS, Q2 2024), the link between joblessness and substance abuse cannot be ignored. Economic hardship, idleness, and hopelessness often push many young people toward drug use as a coping mechanism. Therefore, the federal government should prioritise the creation of sustainable employment opportunities through skills acquisition programmes, entrepreneurship support, and vocational training. Reducing youth unemployment could significantly curb substance abuse rates by offering meaningful engagement and financial stability.
Establish and Strengthen Rehabilitation Centres Nationwide: Nigeria currently faces a shortage of accessible and adequately equipped rehabilitation facilities. The government should invest in establishing rehabilitation centres across all regions, ensuring they are adequately staffed with trained professionals to provide counselling, therapy, and medical treatment. These centres should also integrate skills training and reintegration programmes to support recovered individuals in leading productive lives post-recovery.
Nationwide Awareness and Sensitisation Campaigns: Government and stakeholders should launch targeted awareness programmes focused on adolescents and young adults. These campaigns should be positioned as a national priority, using schools, religious organisations, and social media to educate young people about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. Providing real-life statistics, personal stories, and evidence-based information can strengthen the impact of these interventions.
Implement Stricter Penalties for Drug Traffickers and Users: The government should revise existing laws to introduce stiffer penalties for drug trafficking and possession of illicit substances. Stronger enforcement and judicial action can serve as a deterrent, while publicising convictions and penalties can discourage others from engaging in such activities.
Post Disclaimer
The information contained in this post is for general knowledge purposes, composed of personal experiences and theoretical research. It should, in no way, be construed as professional medical advice. Kindly contact a trained and licensed practitioner if you need personal and professional counsel.
