OPINION
By PATWUL LIVINUS
The rising tide of drug abuse among Nigerian youth has become a disturbing social problem with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and the nation at large. What many young people perceive as temporary pleasure or escape is increasingly turning into a pathway to health challenges, social dislocation and criminal behaviour, making urgent and collective intervention unavoidable.
It is indeed disheartening that many Nigerian youth are abusing drugs, seeking temporary pleasure without considering the long-term effects on their health and loved ones. The prevalence of drug abuse among Nigerian youth is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention and collective action.
Many Nigerian youth abuse drugs by taking more than prescribed doses and, in some cases, consuming outright illegal substances, with cannabis being the most widely used substance in the country. Disturbingly, some individuals carry these substances openly, with transactions conducted in broad daylight, seemingly without fear of the agencies responsible for enforcing drug laws. Among the most abused substances are weed, tramadol, and “ice”, a highly toxic substance that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is strongly battling.
These substances often cause users to remain awake for prolonged periods, resulting in sleep deprivation, loss of appetite, and gradual damage to vital body systems. Young people who abuse drugs are exposed to serious health risks, including mental health disorders, brain damage and lung complications. Beyond physical health, drugs such as tramadol, rohypnol and molly are known to stimulate abnormal behaviour, fostering addiction and, in some cases, pushing users toward crimes such as armed robbery, theft, kidnapping and rape, thereby posing a grave threat to public safety.
Several factors contribute to the alarming rise of drug abuse among Nigerian youth. Peer pressure plays a significant role, as many young people are lured into experimenting with drugs by friends and associates. Poverty and unemployment further compound the problem, pushing some youth to use drugs as a coping mechanism for frustration, hopelessness and economic hardship. The absence of viable job opportunities leaves many feeling trapped, making drugs appear to be an easy escape from harsh realities.
To effectively address this challenge, the Nigerian government must prioritise job creation to tackle unemployment and reduce poverty. Public education campaigns should be intensified to enlighten young people on the dangers and long-term consequences of drug abuse, while accessible rehabilitation programmes must be established to support addicts on the path to recovery. Law enforcement agencies also need to strengthen efforts to curb the supply of illicit substances and identify drug users for appropriate intervention rather than neglect.
Communities have a critical role to play by reporting suspected drug abuse and supporting rehabilitation initiatives aimed at restoring peace and social harmony. Parents, educators, and community leaders must work collaboratively to provide guidance, mentorship and emotional support to young people, helping them make informed decisions and resist harmful influences.
In addition, stronger collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organisations and community-based groups is essential to provide comprehensive support services and address the root causes of drug abuse. Rehabilitation and reintegration should be prioritised, with programmes that offer counselling, skills acquisition, job training and education to help recovering addicts rebuild their lives and regain dignity.
In conclusion, drug abuse among Nigerian youth is a complex and deeply rooted problem that demands a comprehensive and united response. By confronting its underlying causes, expanding support services and creating meaningful opportunities for young people, Nigeria can safeguard its youth and secure a safer, healthier future for society as a whole.
Livinus is a student of the Department of Mass Communication, Plateau State University, Bokkos, on IT with THE NIGERIA STANDARD