Drug and Substance Misuse in Nigeria: A Growing Threat to Public Health and National Development

Drug and substance misuse refers to the excessive or improper use of substances, including both illicit drugs and legal medications that are intended to improve health when used appropriately. This devastating problem is increasingly evident among adolescents and young adults in Nigeria. Drug misuse is characterized by a strong desire to obtain and use excessive amounts of one or more substances, including alcohol, hallucinogens, opioids, codeine, tobacco, marijuana (cannabis), and other harmful substances.

The 21st century has witnessed an alarming rise in drug and substance misuse, regardless of age, sex, social status, or religion, leading to the deaths of many young people. The purpose of this article is to examine the numerous effects of drug and substance misuse and propose practical solutions to address this growing challenge in Nigeria.

When discussing drug misuse, it is important to distinguish between drug addiction and drug dependence.

Drug dependence simply means relying on prescribed medication to function properly or relieve pain. When properly managed, it does not necessarily harm a person's physical well-being. Such medications are prescribed and monitored by qualified healthcare professionals. A person can be drug-dependent without becoming addicted. Cancer and HIV patients provide good examples.

Firstly, opioids are powerful prescription medications used to relieve severe pain, especially among cancer patients. In such cases, the patient requires the medication to function effectively, not because they are addicted. If signs of addiction begin to develop, healthcare professionals adjust or discontinue the medication accordingly.

Similarly, people living with HIV/AIDS depend on antiretroviral drugs, not because they are addicted, but because the medication helps control the disease and prevents it from worsening. The drugs are used to manage the condition and improve the patient's quality of life.

Drug addiction, on the other hand, is a chronic condition in which a person develops a strong and uncontrollable urge to use drugs despite their harmful consequences. An addicted individual becomes physically and psychologically dependent on the substance and may find it extremely difficult to stop using it. Such individuals often experience intense cravings, discomfort, or withdrawal symptoms when the drug is unavailable, causing them to continue using it even when it damages their relationships, education, careers, or threatens their lives. Many drug misusers consume medications without prescription or in excessive doses.

Addiction develops in several ways, particularly through the brain's reward system. Drugs flood the brain with dopamine, producing an intense feeling of pleasure. Over time, the brain adapts to these high dopamine levels, requiring larger amounts of the drug to achieve the same effect. Drugs also alter the parts of the brain responsible for judgment, learning, and impulse control, making it increasingly difficult for addicted individuals to resist their urges.

The growing popularity of shisha in Nigeria has further worsened the situation. Many young women, in an attempt to fit into social trends or appear fashionable, smoke shisha without realizing its health risks. According to research by the World Health Organization (WHO), the amount of smoke inhaled during a one-hour shisha session may be equivalent to smoking 100–200 cigarettes. Meanwhile, many young people smoke several bowls of shisha in a single night. Shisha involves smoking flavored tobacco mixed with sugar and other additives through a water pipe, but it remains just as harmful as cigarette smoking.

There are several causes of drug and substance misuse. One major cause is peer pressure, where individuals are influenced by friends or social groups to experiment with drugs. Curiosity and the desire to experience new sensations also contribute, especially among teenagers and adolescents. Some individuals misuse drugs to cope with depression, stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges in an attempt to escape life's difficulties. Family instability, poverty, and easy access to drugs are additional factors contributing to substance misuse.

The effects of drug misuse are severe. It weakens the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to diseases and infections. Socially, it impairs judgment, causes violence, memory loss, hallucinations, and behavioral problems. Many drugs also slow breathing, which can lead to respiratory failure and even death in severe cases.

Drug and substance misuse can be prevented through individual commitment and collective efforts from families, schools, communities, and government. Schools should organize awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of drug misuse while providing support for affected students. The government should strictly enforce laws against the sale and distribution of illegal drugs. Agencies such as the NDLEA should intensify their efforts, while rehabilitation services should be made more accessible. Individuals are also encouraged to avoid friends and social groups involved in drug misuse.

People struggling with addiction should not be ridiculed or stigmatized. Instead, they should receive compassion, encouragement, and professional support from trusted family members, healthcare providers, and rehabilitation centers. Early detection and intervention greatly improve the chances of recovery.

In conclusion, drug and substance misuse remains a serious public health challenge that affects individuals, families, and society at large. Although the problem may not be completely eradicated, it can be significantly reduced through education, awareness, effective treatment, stronger law enforcement, and collective action by families, communities, and government.

Written by:  

Eghwubare Success  

(Department of English and Literary Studies, Delta State University, Abraka)