International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2020

Caring through prevention and rehabilitation of Drug & Substance use among adolescents and young people.

Introduction

• When drugs were discovered/contributed to help human and other creatures get well, it has become a public health problem all over the world (in this case substance). The problem exacts a tremendous toll in terms of illness and death.In Nigeria and West Africa countries, adolescents and young people have been found to abuse licit (alcohol, tobacco etc.) and illicit substances (Indian hemp, cocaine, heroin etc.), causing harm (physical, psychological, socio-economic) to the individual, family and the society at large. It also serves as a criminal offence. Male youths between 10-15years have been found to predominantly be at risk.

Why do young people use substances?

• First is because it has become common in our society, on the streets, in school, in stores, parents, friends, family, and peers. Anybody can be a user and peddler of substances in our environment.Adolescents often take to drugs because of environmental influences, defects in their personality or because such substances are easily available.

  Some identifiable reasons include:
  Out of curiosity
  Peer pressure
  Ineffective control of drug availability
  To gain acceptance by friends
  Escaping or relieving pressures
  To get high
  Relaxation
  Parental use
  Problems at school or home
  Working in an environment that encourages drug use
  Personality problems (mental health)
  Heredity
  Parental deprivations
  Advertisements
  Social change: migration, lack of social support, unemployment

Drugs commonly used

Alcohol
Tobacco (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, shisha, cannabis, marijuana, weed, Igbo, Indian hemp, Ganye, pawpaw leaves etc.)
Stimulants (Cocaïne, Nicotine, Caféine, Amphétamine)
Depressants or Anxiety relieving drugs (Valium, Lexotan, codeine, Barbtirates, other Benzodiazepines)
Opioids (Heroin, X etc.)
Volatile substances: Solvents
Coffee, Tea, Kolanuts
Hallucinogènes
Inhalants (glue solution, paint thinner, nail polish remover, hair spray, petrol)

Dangers

Increase in energy and activity
Suppress hunger
Excitement
Euphoria
Slow down body functions
Causes sleep, drowsiness and unconsciousness
Fall in blood pressure
Heavy fall and injury
Irrational thoughts and decisions
Disorientation
Mood swing
Induce Analgesia
Insomnia

Common effects and consequences to individual, family and community

Physical Health (Sleeplessness, organ damages, accidents, irregular heartbeat/failure, blurred vision, injury, reduced libido/sexual disorder, respiratory issues, cancer-prone, muscle weakness, coma, facial rash, reproductive damages, dependency, withdrawal symptoms, STI, rape, unwanted pregnancy)

Mental Health (Anxiety, hallucination, mental disorders, coordination problem, reduces brain activity, motivation, tremor, attempted suicide, dementia)

Social (lack of achievement, promiscuity, Road traffic accidents, loss of a job, family disruption, criminal behaviour, delinquent acts in youths, unstable homes, marital disorder, unplanned families, low income, poor productivity, domestic violence, lack of social trust/social irresponsibility/self-discipline, divorce, family stigmatization)

How do we educate to prevent them?

Looking at all the reasons that make one-use substances, they are inevitable societal norms and life cycle. Hence, it is a multi-sectoral approach through;
Understanding and giving adequate time for communication, bonding and good parental/guardian care

Educating them on substances, informing them to stay away, and teaching them a good value system

Making sure family members and guidance do not use or not in from of them nor keep substances at home

Managing and having control of their immediate environment and who they associate or spend time with

Addressing issues of advertisements, open use, banning,

Forms of prevention if they are using (notice warning signs)

Sudden change in behaviour and mood
Sudden change and decline in attendance and performance to school and work
Unusual temper flare-ups
Increased borrowing of money from parents and friends (missing money or items from home)
Stealing at home, school, workplace
An unexplained long absence from home
Unnecessary secrecy
Changes in dressing and appearances
Presence of paraphernalia e.g. syrups, foil paper, a lighter and burnt spoon

What next to do?

Usually, management of drug abusers is fraught with difficulties

Educate them
Treatment
Constant support from family and community
No stigmatization
Referral to treatment centres such as hospital, counselling centres, rehabilitation homes
Detoxification
Rehabilitation
Empowerment
Participating in conventions of drug control

Reach out to hospitals and rehabilitation centres near you

By Yusuf Rasheed