Substance abuse directly affects millions of people in our society each year. Statistics from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported that a good percentage of Nigerians admitted to using illegal drugs and a good percentage are problem drinkers. Family members and friends are affected as well by the substance abuse issues of their loved ones. It’s therefore essential that we educate ourselves about substance abuse.
Age
Substance abuse affects people of all ages, but young people in particular are more at risk. The younger a person is when he starts to abuse a substance, the greater the likelihood he will get addicted. This is a special danger, because the structure of an adolescent’s brain is not well-developed in the areas that control decision-making and judgment, leaving him more vulnerable to substance abuse.
Brain Chemistry
Once ingested, many drugs alter brain chemistry in a way that makes it more likely for the person to become dependent or addicted. These changes lead to greater tolerance of the drug, a greater need for the drug (because the ability to derive pleasure without it is inhibited), and a greater likelihood to abuse drugs when triggered by people, places and things associated with the drug.
Biological Predisposition
Some people are more prone to drug abuse than others. A biological predisposition towards substance abuse, along with environment, is responsible for 50 percent of an individual’s vulnerability to addiction. In other words, if parents are addicts, it is essential to create an environment that supports freedom from substance abuse if children are to have any chance at a substance-free lifestyle.
Influence
Peers have a tremendous effect when it comes to a person’s vulnerability to substance abuse, but parents have even more. Young ones cite their parents as a greater influence than their friends in the decision of whether or not they will use drugs. So, be careful what you do in the presence of your kids.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most dangerous substance abused in Nigeria. You hear Road Safety officers shouting don’t drink and drive, yet some Nigerians see the campaign as a joke. Drunk driving is killing hundreds of people annually and causing injury to more due to alcohol-related car crashes. Alcohol abuse is especially insidious, because while it causes the most damage, it is also the most socially accepted of all substances in Nigeria. You hear some Nigerians say, “make I drink and forget my problems”. Let me tell you, after the drink don clear from your eyes, your problems go still dey wait for you. In fact, it will now be double.
Treatment
Treatment for substance abuse is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.
Many people benefit from a 12-step program, while others find help through spiritual-oriented programs. Some people need in-patient treatment (rehab), while others do just as well with a combination of medication and therapy.
Rate of Success
As with most health issues, substance abuse may not respond to the first attempt at treatment. Even if the person is very well-motivated, it may still take several attempts before he is able to effectively deal with the substance abuse issue.
Prescription Drugs
Increasingly, prescription drugs are being abused; either ingested in greater quantities than they are meant to be taken or used by someone other than the individual for whom they were prescribed. Our research shows this trend is very common in a particular region in Nigeria. Commonly abused prescription medications include pain pills, medication for attention deficit disorder and muscle relaxers.
The Elderly
There is a good percentage of persons aged 30 and above who had used illicit drugs in the past or were “binge” alcohol users. There are indeed certain times when older adults are more vulnerable to substance abuse.
Prevention
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reports prevention efforts that involve families, communities, schools and the media are effective in preventing substance abuse. When people perceive substance abuse as harmful, they reduce their drug-taking. So, education is vital.
Do drugs control your life?
Accept and seek help before drugs destroy you.
Don’t Do Drugs!