The Abuse of Drugs by Nigerian Youths is Alarming

By Chimaza Nonye-Okoronkwo

Addiction is a complex and treatable chronic disease that affects individuals physically, psychologically, and socially. It leads to compulsive behaviors where individuals continue to engage in harmful practices despite the consequences.

While often associated with substance use—such as alcohol, heroin, or cocaine—addictions can also manifest through non-substance behaviors, like gambling or excessive work. At its core, addiction involves a profound alteration of brain functions linked to mood, decision-making, and impulse control.

The brain’s reward system, primarily involving the neurotransmitter dopamine, is heavily impacted. Substances and behaviors associated with addiction hijack this reward pathway, resulting in a cycle where increasing amounts of the substance are required to achieve the same pleasurable effect.

This leads the addict to prioritize substance use over fulfilling relationships, work, and societal obligations. Substance abuse refers to the harmful use of drugs or chemicals for non-medical purposes. This can lead to psychosocial dysfunction, mental health disorders, and a myriad of adverse consequences affecting individuals, families, and society as a whole.

The quest for pleasure or relief often drives individuals to initially experiment with drugs, but this behavior can spiral into dependency. Drugs can exacerbate underlying mental health issues, leading to conditions like depression, anxiety, and increased risk of suicidal behavior. Particularly among adolescents, substance abuse is linked to severe mental health challenges, impacting cognitive functions, emotional stability, and social interactions.

Youths are particularly vulnerable as substances like marijuana can hinder learning and emotional development. Families are often at the forefront of dealing with the repercussions of addiction. The emotional toll can lead to crises, strain relationships, and result in financial hardships.

Parents and siblings may find their dynamics significantly altered, as addiction may foster dysfunction within the family unit, affecting everyone’s well-being. The social and economic implications of drug abuse are extensive. Families affected by addiction may encounter financial difficulties due to crime related to substance abuse, increased healthcare needs, and lost productivity.

Communities bear the burden of supporting those who cannot achieve self-sufficiency due to addiction, resulting in heightened demand for social and medical services. Government initiatives play a crucial role in combating drug addiction and abuse. Programs focused on prevention, education, treatment, and rehabilitation can minimize the prevalence of drug abuse.

Once again, I wish to assert that addiction is a pressing public health concern that transcends individual challenges, affecting families and society at large. A multi-faceted approach involving education, treatment, community engagement, and government policy is key to eradicating substance abuse.

By addressing the roots of addiction and implementing effective prevention strategies, societies can begin to heal and mitigate the adverse effects that addiction inflicts on individuals and communities alike.