Nigeria’s health professionals have warned of rising drug abuse cases among youths, noting that they are destroying the fabrics of the society.
They noted on Thursday, which was the International Day Against Drug Abuse, that society must take drug abuse cases seriously.
The theme of this year’s international day was, ‘Breaking the Chain: Prevention, Treatment, Recovery.’
According to a 2018 United Nations report on drugs and crime in Nigeria, approximately 14.4 million people aged 15 to 64 were victims of drug abuse. This figure underscores a crisis that continues to deepen each passing year.
A study published in the International Journal of Medical Research by John Olarewaju revealed that 30 to 35 million Nigerians collectively spend between $15,000 and $30,000 annually on psychotropic drugs and alcoholic beverages. This economic strain adds another layer to the devastating social and health consequences of substance abuse.
Health experts have identified several key drivers behind this crisis: stigma, high treatment costs, and intense peer pressure—particularly among younger demographics.
Taiwo Obindo, president of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), raised concerns over the alarming rise in drug abuse across the country, particularly among the youth. He emphasised the growing influence of peer pressure as a major contributing factor.
“The prevalence of drug abuse in Nigeria is deeply troubling,” Obindo stated. “If this trend continues unchecked, I fear that in a few years, our nation may face a crisis where the next generation might be too damaged to do so,” Obindo told BusinessDay.
Read also: Oborevwori calls for collaborative efforts in war against drug abuse in Nigeria
He further expressed concern about the increasing vulnerability of younger children to substance use.
“Disturbingly, we are now seeing cases of drug abuse even among primary school pupils,” he added. “Much of this can be traced back to the influence of peer groups, which has become a powerful force in shaping behavior at an early age,” he added.
Aniedi Akpan, chairman of the Drug Harm Reduction and Advocacy Network (DHRAN), expressed deep concern over the staggering growth in drug use.
“The situation is really scary, as millions of people are involved in drug abuse annually,” Akpan told BusinessDay.
He highlighted a disturbing trend in injection drug use.
“In 2018, about 80,000 people were recorded to be injecting drugs. By 2022, that number surged to 481,000. According to the Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance Survey, this marks a 600 percent increase in just four years,” Akpan stated.
He also pointed to the influence of modern culture and technology.
“The numbers are already reflecting in our society—through social media, in healthcare centers, and through data. One of the drivers of this challenge is the stigmatisation of substance users and the influence of peer pressure, particularly from what young people see on social media,” he stated.
Divine Ezekiel, mental health advocate, shared similar concerns, citing the toxic role of digital culture and societal comparison.
“Social comparison, cyberbullying, and peer pressure are major sources of high rates of drug abuse, which can in turn lead to suicidal thoughts and depression among young people,” she warned.
According to WHO, the implications of drug abuse extend far beyond individual’s health. Substance use impacts national security, public safety, and economic development—costing some countries up to two percent of their GDP in healthcare expenses, crime, and lost productivity.
It is also closely linked to a wide range of health problems, including mental illness, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and cardiovascular disease.
Way forward
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged global collaboration among governments, health organizations, and communities to combat drug use disorders.
WHO emphasized the importance of universal access to care, stating that, “Together, we can create a healthier future for all by ensuring that everyone, everywhere, has access to the care and support they need.”
Advocates are also calling for a more compassionate, inclusive approach, urging an end to the stigma surrounding substance use.
Akpan highlighted the need to change public perception, stating, “We must make treatment and seeking help more appealing so people aren’t afraid to speak up,” he stated.
Ezekiel emphasised rebuilding public trust and regulating harmful content, especially to reduce social comparison among youth.
