EXPERTS DECRY INCREASE IN DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUTHS, PROFER SOLUTIONS

In recent years, drug and substance abuse has emerged as one of the most pressing social problems confronting Nigeria. Once considered a hidden issue, the alarming rate at which young Nigerians are falling victim to drugs has made it impossible to ignore. From bustling cities to remote villages, the scourge is evident — young people turning to dangerous substances for escape, thrill, or peer acceptance. But while the problem is deepening, the question remains: is there hope for our youths?

This seemingly dangerous trend prompted the pastorate of the Redeemed Christian Church, Zion Chapel, Lagos Province 57, Oregun Ikeja into bringing medical experts across board together during its annual Health Talk to discuss and proffer solutions to the menace. Themed, “Drugs and Substance Abuse: Any Hope For The Youth, the event was informative, as well as educative. The panel of discussants include Dr. Charles Davies, medical director/chief surgeon at Brafus Specialist Hospital, Lagos; Dr. Wale Ige, the retired Assistant Commander of Narcotics at NDLEA; Dr. Henrietta Igbokwe, head of Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology & Biotechnology, College of Medicine, UNILAG; and Dr. Yinka Anifowoshe, an anaesthesia at the General Hospital, Gbagada, Lagos.

In their submissions, it was generally agreed that drug abuse in Nigeria has reached epidemic levels. The substances most commonly abused include cannabis, codeine-based cough syrups, tramadol, rohypnol, cocaine, and even methamphetamine (“ice”). These substances are often cheap, easily accessible, and circulated in informal networks, making them especially attractive to impressionable youths. Social media trends, peer pressure, unemployment, poverty, and lack of parental supervision further fuel the crisis.

Dr. Davies, who moderated the discourse, affirmed that, according to the 2018 National Drug Use Survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the Nigerian government, about 15% of Nigeria’s population aged 15–64 were drug users. This figure is nearly three times the global average. Alarmingly, many of these users are young people, some barely in their teens.

Dr. Igbokwe, who described drug as any substance that, when inhaled, injected, smoked, consumed, absorbed, or used in any other form, causes a physiological change in the body and can also affect the mind; highlighted some pertinent reasons why Nigerian youths are turning to drugs. Among them is peer pressure and societal influence, when many young people are introduced to drugs by friends or social groups. In their bid to “belong” or appear “cool,” they experiment with substances, not realizing the long-term consequences. In addition, Nigeria’s high unemployment rate, particularly among graduates, pushes many youths into hopelessness. Drugs become a form of temporary relief from the pain of poverty and lack of opportunities. Issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma are rarely addressed in Nigerian society. Instead, many young people self-medicate with substances that worsen their conditions.

In addition, the experts also decry the high rate of availability and accessibility of various drugs on the streets without regulation. Despite government bans, codeine, tramadol, and other substances are easily found in the streets, often sold by unlicensed vendors. The porous borders and weak law enforcement make it difficult to stem the supply. They also mentioned cultural and entertainment Influence within the youth group. Certain songs, movies, and online skits glorify drug use, portraying it as a sign of wealth, bravery, or rebellion. For impressionable youths, this creates a false sense of normalcy.

The medical personnel also warned that the impact of drug abuse on Nigerian youths could be devastating. These include dire health risks, as prolonged abuse leads to brain damage, organ failure, mental illness, and in many cases, death. Also drug use is linked to crime and Violence, such as armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, banditry and domestic violence. Many students hooked on drugs dropout, ruining their academic and career prospects, while parents and siblings suffer emotionally and financially when a young member becomes addicted. It could also truncate national development, as a generation enslaved by drugs weakens the nation’s workforce, security, and productivity.

The experts believed there is hope—but only if Nigerians acts decisively and collectively. Some of the solutions proffered are that parents must be more present in their children’s lives, monitoring peer groups and offering emotional support. Schools should incorporate drug education into their curricula, empowering students to make informed decisions.

Secondly, government must be proactive in job creation and Economic Opportunities. Empowering youths with jobs, vocational training, and entrepreneurship opportunities will reduce idleness and hopelessness that drive drug use. They also advised that Nigeria must invest in mental health care. Counseling services in schools, workplaces, and communities, as this will help young people cope with stress without turning to drugs.

”Governments at all levels must close loopholes that allow the circulation of illicit drugs. Border controls, stronger NDLEA operations, and sanctions against corrupt officials are critical. Young people must also be at the forefront of this fight—using music, art, and social media to spread anti-drug messages and inspire healthier lifestyles. Rather than simply criminalizing drug users, emphasis should be placed on rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Every youth deserves a second chance.”

Faith-based and community efforts was also advocated; as churches, mosques, and community leaders play critical roles in preaching against drug abuse and offering moral guidance.

The pastor of the church, Godfrey Iluobe, who has been convening the annual health talk for the ninth consecutive year, indicated that he was spurred into organizing the programme for the total welfare of humanity. “As Christians, sometimes we place emphasis on the spiritual, but try to neglect the other aspect, taking care of our body that host our spirit and soul. Later, many Christians will discover that they are negligence about their body. So that was why we came up with a campaign of enlightenment, for people to be mindful of their health and what they need to do to be able to stay healthy; in order for them to fulfill God’s cause upon their life. So that’s what informed the cause. As God would permit it, over the years, we’ve kept growing. The team will keep going. And we thank God for the testimonies that are coming forth. We have been on this for nine years, unbroken nine years.”

As part of the programme, some recently converted area boys, who have been christened as “Jesus Boys” were prayed for. According to Iluobe, “These are set of boysthat have future but the enemy tried to turn their destiny around through hard drugs and smoking, they are Oregun boys that stay across the road. The youth of the church actually started a project, whereby, every Sunday they go out there to minister to them. They prepare food for them on every Sunday basis. So this program was an opportunity to just have them come around so that we can address this issue of the drug substance abuse. We’ve been praying for them, and we also try to receive some kind of welfare packages to attract them. We try to also let them know that we are one, and God has brought us here for them – with a promise that they want to keep it as their church. So we trust the Lord that God will mold them. So that they can become who they want to be, as well as who God want them to be.”