SUBSTANCE/DRUG ABUSE

Simply defined, this refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances for the purpose of altering your mood/creating a pleasurable feeling. It entails the use of illegal drugs, abuse (excessive or abnormal use) of prescription/over the counter drugs, or illegal use of other substances that are not drugs.

Often times, these substances are addictive. Users may become physically or psychologically dependent on these drugs.

Drug abuse in Nigeria has risen over the years, The population most involved are the teens and youths under 30 years. The rate of use rose to 40% amongst Nigerian youths between 18 and 35 years as stated by NDLEA during the 7th Annual Constituency Stakeholders meeting in Lagos in 2021. There were 14.3 million drug users in Nigeria as at 2018 according to the 2018 National Drug Use Survey. Nigerian drug use prevalence is reportedly higher than the global average. This is a very worrisome and dangerous trend.

Substance abuse leads to:

Social issues – failure to meet responsibilities, inability to hold down a job, dropping out of school, arrest and imprisonment e.t.c.

Physical/health issues – medical problems like heart disease, stroke, liver impairment, disabilities, viral diseases from injectable drugs,cancer.

Emotional issues – failed relationships, abusive relationships

Psychological problems – Impaired judgement, risky behaviours, slowed reaction time, psychiatric conditions

Drugs frequently abused are:

Marijuana (also called weed, igbo, gbana, cannabis, ganja, colorado,loud,SK,skunk,Indian hemp) – It is most widely used in Africa. Also present in cocktails like monkeytail

Methamphetamine ( ice, crystal meth, mkpuru mmiri)

Opiates (codeine, cough syrup, tramadol)

Cocaine

Ecstasy

Amphetamines – commonly found in roadside male performance enhancing drugs.

Hallucinogens

Inhalants and Solvents like glue

Heroin

Benzodiazepines (Valium, Diazepam)

Shisha

Alcohol

Less commonly abused but equally significant substances of abuse in our clime are:

Barbiturates, Morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, rohypnol (date rape drug), ketamine.

HOW CAN PARENTS GET INVOLVED TO STOP THIS MENACE:

Any child can be a victim of drug/substance abuse. As a parent, you will play a major role in shaping your child’s decision to abstain from substances of abuse.

Firstly, you need to understand what drives them to abuse drugs.

Some of the reasons are stated below:

To belong / fit in: Feelings of being an outsider and wanting to be included and liked by others. If the kids your child wants to be friends with or is hanging out with, are drinking or using substances, they may feel that they need to participate as well or risk being left out.

To socialize: Some youths use drugs and alcohol to feel more confident, overcome their insecurities and connect better with others. Drugs give them the feeling that they are socially adept and connecting with people.

Life transitions: Periods of change such as moving, divorce, puberty, changing schools, or an illness or death in the family can become a time of confusion, leading some to attempt to find comfort in alcohol or drugs.

Emotional or psychological pain: Loneliness, trauma, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety disorder, and other mental health issues are commonly associated with substance use.

RED FLAGS: What should parents look out for;

Change in habits, moods, passions, school activities., sleeping patterns, physical appearance.

Constant requests for money

Irresponsible behaviour or poor decisions or judgement

Withdrawing from the family or breaking rules

Unusual containers, drug cards, wrappings in child’s room

HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR CHILD STAY AWAY FROM SUBSTANCE / DRUG ABUSE.

Talk with your child – Have an open and honest discussion with your child about the dangers of drug abuse. Answer their questions sincerely to earn their trust. Engage them early when they are young and have the discussions regularly.

Support healthy activities: Children do better when they are kept busy and feel a part of a community. Encourage sports, healthy hobbies.

Set clear expectations: Let them know that you expect them not to abuse drugs.

Practice refusal skills with your children: Practice responses that your kids can use when offered a drink or drugs, such as: “No thanks. I have to be somewhere else now.” Or “No, but I will take a soda / water.”

Let them understand clearly the dangers of substance abuse: Explain the consequences in very clear terms so it is not ambiguous.

Be a parent, not a friend: You need to be a parent at this time especially if the child is a teenager. Be an authority figure and the wise adult. Your child needs a parent, not another friend. There will be a time in future to be friends with your child when he / she is older and mature.

Do not provide alcohol or drugs to your young child / teenager: Adolescent substance use is dangerous no matter where it takes place. Do not introduce them to it.

Pay close attention to red flags: Stay involved in your kids’ lives. Observe any changes in habits, moods, passions, school activities e.t.c. so you can act early enough. Build relationships with other parents in the community. Know your child’s friends and encourage him in making wise decisions when choosing friends.

Create family time: Spend time with your child. If your relationship with your child is strong, they will be more likely to come to you for advice or support.

Strengthen your child’s self esteem: Use positive affirmations.

Prioritize sleep: Ensure they get enough sleep. Regulate use of gadgets and phones in the house. Getting enough sleep is important for good mental and physical health.

Help your child with an escape plan: Create a secret code e.g. a quick coded SMS that your child can send when he is in a difficult situation so help can be sent immediately to remove him / her from the situation.

Intervene early: If you think / suspect that your child may be struggling with substance use, don’t waste any second. Seek professional help for your child immediately. Speak with a health practitioner who will direct you to medical professionals who specialize in Addiction medicine or rehabilitation centers.

Pray for your child always

REFERENCES:

World Health Organization (Africa Region) -https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/substance-abuse

Drug Abuse and Nigerian Youths by Yunusa Usman Chindo published in The Guardian Newspaper online January 2nd 2022

40% of Nigerian Youth deeply involved in drug abuse – NDLEA published by Agency Report in Premium Times on August 19th 2021

Pennsylvania Dept of Drug and Alcohol programs - https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Prevention/Pages/Prevention-Resource

Written by:

Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Madubuike (MBBS; MPH; FRSPH; AAMRO; OEUK)