Drug abuse as enabler of cultism

CREATING a dangerous synergy, individuals, communities, and the nation at large face significant threats as drug abuse and cultism often go hand in hand. While drug abuse itself is a grave issue, it becomes even more troubling when it enables complicity in the spread of cults and secret society groups within our immediate environment. Consequently, drug abuse has been established as a majorcausative of most criminal activities, including cultism, rape, terrorism, armed robbery, among others. Cultism has gone beyond the shores of educational institutions and now thrives within our closest clusters, like religious groups, cultural associations, residential play and sport groups and political associations; so is drug abuse.With the youths holding a major percentage of persons within these groups, drug barons and their street dealingsalesmen are gradually infiltrating the activities of these young ones with drug use culture,aimed at enhancing their participation in choice activities and area of interest, while leading them into cultism and various secret groups .

While the truth remains that such drug culture that we allow to thrive is gradually eating away the brains of our supposed future leaders and stars,it is then imperative,that we wake up to the responsibility of breaking the link between drug abuse and cultism. Drug abuse, due to its psychoactive and mind-altering effects, can render individuals vulnerable to recruitment by cult groups. Cult groups, mostly led by some undignified individuals, luresmostly young and bright persons with the illusion of offering thema supportive system with a purpose ,while preying on their vulnerabilities ranging from struggles with academics, peer pressures, relationship issues,drug use dilemma and other factors. Once they see these persons who often experience feelings of isolation, desperation, and hopelessness, they offer them illicit drugs and some icing with hopes of a better future , making them susceptible to being members of secret societies and cult related groups.

Curbing the menace of drug abuse and cultism,might be challenging but not impossible, as it requires a multifaceted approach through practical preventive education and awareness about the risks involved. One of the approachesI would recommend, is for the majority of us, especially parents, religious and traditional leaders,to key into the prevention and awareness activities of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. My experience in joining one of their X Space activity last week, where I listened to a certain Psychologist, Mrs.Oluwatoyin Ogunkanmi, made me realise that the federal government is doing a lot in drug use preventionand we all need to key in.

Recognising the link between drug abuse and cultism is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. We can break the cycle and protect individuals from falling victim to the allure of cultism by addressing the root causes of drug abuse and providing support to those in need. We must not underestimate the power of these issues but work together from every strata to create a future that is free from the negative consequences of drug abuse and cultism.