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DRUG ABUSE: CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES IMPLICATION ON THE

SOCIETY AND THE WAY FORWARD


OVERVIEW OF DRUG PROBLEMS IN NIGERIA

Within the last decade, the involvement of our youths in drug abuse sub-cultivate has taken a wide
and frightening dimension studies conducted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
(NDLEA) from inception till date revealed that adolescents and youths of both sex and between the
ages of 13-35 years constitute the high-risk group for drug abuse in our society. Also the Rapid
Situation Assessment of Drug problem in Nigeria conducted by NDLEA in collaboration with the
united Nations Office for Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) revealed that the vulnerable groups for drug
abuse include students, the unemployed, artisans (craftsman), commercial sex workers, long
distance drivers, and street children.

An evidence has shown that the youths of Ebonyi state are involved in drug abuse between 2008
and 2010, about 619kg of cannabis were seized, while about sixty one (61) drug dependent persons
were counseled and rehabilitated. In the year 2011, about 293kg of cannabis, 16g of Heroin and 6g
of cocaine were seized, while about 21 drug dependent persons were counseled.

It is a known fact that the future of any society depends largely on the quality of her youths. It is
therefore highly regrettable that our youths are exposed to the dangers inherent in drug abuse in
their formative years. This calls for serious concern and intervention from all and sundry.

In the early eighties, some unpatriotic Nigerians entered the international scene of trafficking
in narcotics drugs. The spate of arrests of Nigerians abroad for illicit drug trafficking, increased
number of drug abusing youths and the growing public outcry resulted in the enactment of Decree
48 of 1989, which established the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Basically,
the agency is charged with the dual responsibility of (1) controlling the supply of and (2) reducing
the demand for narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances in Nigeria. These two main objectives
are in consonance with the theory of Demand and supply, which states that without demand, there
would be no supply.

Meaning of Some Key Words:

Let us know the meaning of some key words

DRUG: Drug is defined as any chemical substance which when taken into the body affects ones
mood, behaviour and/or state of mind. In other word, any substance that changes the way the body
or mind functions (the way someone feel, think, see, taste, smell, hear or behave) is a drug. By this
definition, drug is all encompassing, ranging from the socially acceptable drugs (alcohol, caffeine
and Nicotine) through prescription drugs (Amphetamine, Lexotan, valium) to the illicit drugs
(Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana).

DRUG ABUSE: Drug is abused:

When it is not medically necessary. Like some of us who take Panadol, vitamin C etc
anyhow when it is not necessary
When it is excessively used as in the case of socially acceptable drugs such as alcohol and
cigarette. Therefore the use of any drug in a manner that deviates from medically approved
way of use constitutes an abuse.

PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS: These are drugs that when used exert major action on the brain
thereby producing such effects as sedation, stimulation, and change in mood or behaviour. Such
drugs possess habit forming properties which can lead to dependency.

ILLICIT DRUG: These are drugs that are prohibited by the law. Prohibition include the
manufacture, cultivation, possession, sale and use of such drugs. Examples of such are cannabis,
cocaine and heroin.

LICIT DRUG: These are drugs that are not under any form of legal prohibition for example
alcohol, tobacco and prescription drugs.

PATTERN OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG YOUTH IN NIGERIA

TOBACCO: Tobacco is the dried leaf of tobacco plant and it is in different forms, for instance
cigarette, pipes, snuff and cigar. It has different street names such as feg, cigar, stick, and taba. The
most powerful ingredient in tobacco is Nicotine, which is an additive substance. Tobacco is socially
acceptable and easily available and it is the most common drug of abuse by youths especially
students.

ALCOHOL: Alcohol is widely and commonly abused by youths and adults. Alcohol comes in
different forms and it is the psychoactive ingredient in beer, whisky, spirit, wine,lighor and locally
brewed alcolohl beverages such as palm wine, pito, barikutu kwaya and ogogoro. The effects of
alcohol are similar to all other substances of abuse as it affects the central nervous system (CNS).
Alcohol is readily available and tolerated. Youths indulge in alcohol consumption so as to belong to
a group and or to be seen as sociable.

SEDATIVES AND DEPRESSANTS: substances in this category depresses the central nervous
system by slowing down the activity of the brain. These substances are often medically prescribed
but are abased for their intoxicating effect. Examples are valium, and Librium.

STIMULANTS: stimulants are used medically but have a high abuse potential. In this class are
substances such as cocaine, amphetamine and related substances like Ritadin, and Methedrine.
Amphetamine such as prophus has found favour with students particularly during examination
period in order to keep awake at night. Students refer to it as pep pills or superman pills.

CANNABIS (INDIAN HEMP): cannabis remain the only illicit drug cultivated in Nigeria. Studies
show that youth between the ages of 12-35 years were admitted into mental health hospitals because
of history of cannabis abuse. Cannabis has both stimulating and depressing effects. The most active
ingredient in cannabis is tetra- hydro cannabin which makes the user high. It has several street
names such as Igbo, stone, weed, wee- wee, Garja, Grass, Marijuana, Pot, Kaya, and Morocco.

NARCOTICS: Narcotics refer to a wide range of chemical substances used clinically to decrease
pain but have a very high abuse potential. They include heroin, morphine, pethidine and other
morphine likes substances common of them all. It is usually in powder form and may be white or
dark brown. Heroin can be injected, inhaled or smoked. Some of the street names include Big H,
Heroin is made from opium poppy plant cultivated in Asian countries of Burma, Lois Afghanistan
Thailand, India, and Pakistan.

VOLATILE SOLVENT (INHALANTS): these are diverse group of chemical substances which
produce psychoactive vapour that can be sniffed or inhaled. The vapour goes straight from the nose
or mouth to the brain, heart, and lung. They include household products such as acrosols, gasoline,
glue, gum, petrol dye, nail polish removers, insecticides, hair spranys, deodorants, rubber solution
and so on. Rubber solution is a common substances of abuse among artisans including mechanics

ANABOLIC STEROIDS: these are synthetic compounds used in enhancing muscle development
and strength in sporting activities particularly by football players, weight lifters track and field
athletes. They include Donabol Androl, winstrol, and oreton . youths take steroids for the false
notion that the substance enhances performance.

HALLUCIONGENS: these are diverse group of substances that consistently produce changes in
thought, perception and mood. Under the inherence of Halluiciongens the senses of direction
distance and time are distorted. Hallucinogens include L S D (lysergic acid diethylamide) mescaline
and phencyclidine (PCP )

UNCONVENTIONAL DRUG: there are number of local substance which are not under any local
or international control. They are abused for their effects that are similar to the conventional drugs.
Such substances include excreta of lizard, paw- paw leaves, vapour from pit toilet etc

PREDISPOSING FACTORS

WHY DO PEOPLE ABUSE DRUGS?

Common causes for drug abuse in Nigeria are

A. peer group pressure: characterized by the desire to be accepted among friends and or in social
circles.

B social pathologies. Such as unemployment and parental deprivation

C Emotional and psychological stresses, such as anxitety, frustration, and economic


depression people always take drug or drink alcohol in order to forget their problem when they are
provoked.

D. The desire to achieve success in a competitive world. Youth take performance enhancing
substances in order to outwit others in sporting activities.

E. Warped (Materialistic) value system in the society such as craves to get rich quick.

F. Availability of drugs: increased availability of drugs has been associated with increased
usage.

h. Personality defects which refer to low salt esteem, low motivation arising from disturbed
developmental and environmental factors such as broken homes lack of adequate drug sub-
culture: A situation where the parents are drugs abusers. Because there is an Igbo adage that says
Nne Ewu n ata alihia, nwa ya n ele ya anya n onu
j. Ignorance: ignorance has been found as a predisposing factor to drug abuse among young
people.

k. Need for excitement: just for the fun of it

l. Advertisement: youth are sensitive to advertisement and copy quickly. The glamour in
advertising alcohol and cigarette smoking make the youth want to be the way the advert depicts

SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE: How do you know that someone is abusing drugs?

a. Drug paraphernalia:

- Possession of drug- related paraphernalia such as pips, rolling papers, small decongestant bottles.

- Possession of drug, peculiar plant or butts, seeds, or leaves In ashtrays or clothing pocket.

-Odour of drugs, smell of in cense or other Cover up Scents.

b. Identification with drug culture:

- Drug related magazines, slogans on clothing

-Hostility in discussing drugs.

c. Signs of physical Deterioration:

- Memory lapses, short attention span, difficulty in concentration

- Poor physical, slurred or incoherent speech unhealthy appearance, indifference to hygiene and
grooming.

-Bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils.

d. Changes in Behaviour.

-Distinct downward performance I school or work place

-Increased absenteeism, chronic dishonesty, lying, cheating, stealing.

-Changing of friends, evasiveness in talking about new ones

- Increasing and inappropriate anger, hostility irritability, secretiveness.

- Reduced motivation, self- discipline, low self- esteem.

CONSEQUENCES AND IMPLICATION OF DRUG ABUSE ON THE INDIVIDUAL


FAMILY AND THE SOCIETY

The implication of drug abuse on the individual, family and the society is quite enormous and
include the following.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS: Drug abuse damages the central nervous system that is the major organs
of the body thereby resulting to brain damage, Liver damage, damage to respiratory organs,
excessive heartbeat, hypertension, chronic bleeding damage to unborn babies, and premature death.
Drugs also weaken and or destroy the immune system making the users susceptible to opportunistic
diseases.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS: Drug abuse causes sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, psychoses,


craving desire, withdrawal symptoms, disorder of thinking, illusion, hallucination, impaired
judgenent , memory impairment and invariably premature death.

SOCIAL EFFECTS: The family is the basic institution in any society and the abuse of drug by any
member of the family has the potential of shattering the unity of the family. Where will be neglect
and possible violence, such as wife battering, rape, murder etc. Drug abuse brings about the risk of
losing the quality of education in any society. Let us take a look at cultism in the Nigeria
Educational system. It has been reported that most cult members are involved in drug abuse leading
to violence and terror on the community Drug abuse creates social problems ranging from truancy
to delinquency among our youths to family disintegration and destitution, Drug abuse youths are
used to things and paid assassins by politicians. Drug abuse brings about communal crisis, accidents
on our read, home and at work place. Young girls under the inherence of drugs parade themselves at
night as prostitutes thereby exposing the much dreaded HIV/AIDS.

In the same way, a drug abuse is likely to disperse with the amoral values of the society, and
consequently his religious values.

ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES: The labour force is threatened as youth who ought to have
engaged in productive activities are infested with drugs. Drug abuse brings about industrial losses,
loss of job and deterioration in workers productivity. This in turn affects the development of the
economy. Also drug abuse create environment not conducive for investment and consequently
retards economic growth and development of nation.

EXTRA-BUDGETARY SPENDING: The economic impact of drug abuse also manifest in the
health budget of any society. Drug control is a very costly venture. Nations all over the word are
spending Lange sum of money to fight drug trafficking and abuse with little success. The national
health budget especially on drug abuse related projects/ programmers is on the increase and difficult
to maintain. This is because increased funding is required for the treatment and rehabilitation of
drug dependent persons at the detriment of other sectors of the economy.

CRIME RATE: It is a known fact that drugs aggravate the crime rate within any particular society.
Abuse of drug brings about armed robbery which in most cases results in murder, assassination,
assault and rape. Observation and interrogation of arrested criminals revealed that they relied on
hard drugs to execute their devilish activities.

DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION:

WHILE THE Government has set the ball rolling by establishing a body charged with the
responsibility of controlling the supply and demand for drugs in Nigeria, Drug abuse prevention in
our society is everybodys business and not the responsibility of the government alone. The entire
community made up of the family, parents, political office holders, religious and community
leaders, teachers, students, professionals etc should be involved in drug abuse prevention.
Before looking at the way forward, let us have a look at some of the programmes put in place
by the government.

The drug demand reduction Directorate of the NDLEA is saddled with the statutory
responsibility of initiating policies and programmes aimed at reducing the demand for drugs. In
order to achieve this objective, the following programmes are in place.

Data Collection and Research: Data are collected from patients on admission at the
treatment centres for drug related problems and suspected traffickers in NDLEA pretrial cells
across the country. These data were analyzed and produced as Annual Research Reports
(1999-Date), while the findings serve as baseline in the initiation of culturally relevant
intervention measure.
Collaboration with NGOS/Other Stakeholders: The NDLEA Collaborates with
Governmental/Non-Governmental Organizations involve in the prevention of drug abuse and
has evolved excellent working relationship. Also a comprehensive Register of NGO in DDR
has been compiled.
Drug Awareness Programmers: In order to sensitive and create awareness to the general
populace and especially the youths, Lectures, Drama competition, Anti-Drug talk on
television and Radio, work place Drug Awareness Programme, Seminars, workshops,
conferences etc are organized.
School Based Programmes: Having realized that youths are the vulnerable group in drug
abuse and trafficking subculture, series of youth programme aimed at giving factual
information are put in place for instance: Preventive Drug Education was infused into the
school curricular at the primary and secondary school levels of education. Drug Free Clubs
were launched in Primary and Secondary Schools across the country. Anti-drug abuse and
trafficking lectures are delivered in schools across the country.

> Treatment referral and rehabilitation of drug dependent persons: In the light of the above,
drug dependent persons were counseled and re-integrated back to their families and the larger
societies while those with manifestations of physical symptoms where refereed to treatment centres.

Printing & Distribution of Public Enlighment Materials: Also enlighten materials in form of
posters, handbills, stickers, notebooks, T-shirts, Face caps, with antidrug illustrations are distributed
during programmes, and to NGOS as a form of support.

THE WAY FORWARD

Government commitment: The government must show strong commitment and increased
interest in the prevention of the drug scourge. Drug abuse prevention activities should be
sufficiently captured when preparing budget and allocating fund. Fund should be allocated
for sustainable drug abuse prevention programmes in view of the fact that there is strong
relationship between drug abuse and all other societal vices.
Initiation of Policies and Programmes:

Greater emphasis must be placed at policies and programmes aimed at reducing the use/abuse
of drugs. For instance, initiation of relevant intervention programmes such as enlighten and
sensitization programmes geared at different target groups especially the youths.
> Counselling, treatment and Rehabilitation of drug dependent person:

Drug abuse is a health problem and as such drug dependent persons must be helped to stop the use
and or abuse of drugs by way of referral for treatment, provision of counseling and rehabilitation
centres for their reintegration to their families and the larger society.

> Intensive Drug Education: Preventive Drug education by way of giving factual information on
the dangers inherent in drug abuse should be carried out targeting youths in schools, principals,
teachers, counselors, school administrators etc.

> Reporting Drug Dealers to Appropriate Authorities: Availability of drugs has been mentioned as
predisposing factor to drug abuse, so any person caught as a drug dealer should be reported to the
appropriate authorities for necessary action.

> Provision of Employment opportunities by the government:Government should make a


provision for employment especially for our youths, since majority of them involve themselves in
most of the social vices mentioned before due to lack of job. Creating job opportunities will go a
long ay in preventing drug abuse because theme is an adage that says An idle mind is a Devils
workshop

* Community Mobilization: This will imply to mobilize human and material resources of our
communities in order to reduce the incidence of drug abuse and trafficking and its devastating
consequence thus communities and other social problems generated by drug abuse.

* Parent role Models: Parents have a major role to play in the prevention of drug abuse
among the youth in our society. Parents must live by example. A parent that is involved in drug
abuse/ drug trafficking has no moral right or justification to ask a child not to.

* Parents must be knowledgeable about the drug issue: Parent should inculcate drug abuse
resistance behaviour to the youth by teaching them how to say No when offered drugs. Information,
educative, and communicative materials on drugs should be provided to the youths.

* Parent should from the habit of spending time with their children and wards. It has been
realized that parents hardly spend time with their children behaviour.

* Organization of community based workshops and seminar, making youths the target
audience.

CONCLUSION

There is no doubt that a society confronted with drug abuse menace is likely to experience very
serious social, political, economic and physical consequence. It is our collective responsibility to
tight the problems. I therefore appeal on everybody to join hands and also pray always for our youth
that God will continue to direct them on the right way to follow and also to adhere to instructions on
anti-drug abuse. For this will bring greater enlistment in our societies and nations.

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