From promise to ruin: Inside Nigeria’s silent drug crisis affecting youths

In this report, Vincent Kuraun examines substance abuse as a growing national crisis with serious psychological and social consequences. The widespread misuse of drugs and alcohol is increasingly affecting mental health, families, and communities across the nation, while experts warned that the addiction could escalate into a major national calamity.

A silent crisis is consuming Nigeria’s most vital asset: its youth. Across cities and villages, a wave of drug and substance abuse is eroding futures, breaking families, and threatening national stability. What once seemed like isolated habitshave now grown into a full-blown public health and socioeconomic emergency, drawing concerns from health professionals across the country.

In the Apata community, a small town on the outskirts of Ibadan, two best friends, Ogunmakin and Olatunde, shared dreams of a bright future. Both were brilliant and talented. Ogunmakin excelled in music, while Olatunde was a promising footballer. However, the pressures of high school and family expectations began to weigh heavily on them.

Upon gaining admission to a prestigious university in the state, some students introduced them to substances as an escape from their stress. Initially, it was just a coping mechanism, but it soon spiraled into addiction.

Their attendance in classes began to decline, and their interest in studies waned. Their grades plummeted, and their relationships with family and friends deteriorated. The joyful laughter that once filled their lives was replaced with silence and desperation.

One fateful night, after a party fueled by drugs and alcohol, tragedy struck. Ogunmakin lost control of his car and crashed, resulting in critical injuries for him and the death of Olatunde. The Apata community was left shattered, and the weight of their choices left a lasting scar on the town.

In the aftermath of this personal tragedy, Ogunmakin vowed to turn his life around, yet the guilt of losing his best friend haunted him. This experience served as a stark reminder of how substance abuse can obliterate dreams and lives in an instant.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria faces a significant drug abuse problem, with reports indicating that approximately 14.4 million people, roughly 14.4 percent of the population, have used drugs other than alcohol and tobacco.

Beyond banditry, kidnapping, and other violent acts, substance abuse poses a grave threat to a country like Nigeria, where the youth, the future of the nation, in whom we have invested billions in education, skills acquisition, and employment opportunities, risk being completely lost to substance abuse. This alarming perspective was articulated by Professor Martin I. Ifeanacho, Director of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, during an interview with Sunday Tribune.

Discussing the psychological factors that lead to substance abuse, Professor Ifeanacho stated, “The psychology behind it is that of someone who feels defeated by their own environment, including social relationships, political leadership, and economic hardship, deceit by the elite, especially the political elite, in the company of many of our people who claim to have been called by God to shepherd his people. That is one of the most dangerous types of deceit.”

“When the prevailing mindset is that the entire world is against you, individuals often resort to substances as a means of escaping this reality. This escapism has led many of our children to turn to substance abuse.

While there are several contributing factors, such as peer group influence and membership in countercultural or negative social groups, some youths do fall into addiction through experimentation or accidental use.

The predominant psychology among our youth is one of escapism, as they seek something to help them detach from the harsh realities of Nigeria’s socioeconomic conditions. Unfortunately, this quest often results in substance abuse, which ultimately fails to provide relief.

Dr Charles Adedamola Adeogun, a Public Health Advocate and Media Health Educator, echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that the root causes of the crisis run deep. Widespread unemployment, economic frustration, and social disconnection have left millions of young people feeling trapped. Additionally, peer pressure, the glamorization of drug use on social media, and weak family supervision further exacerbate the issue.

Dr. Adeogun pointed out that various readily available substances, ranging from codeine-laced syrups and tramadol to cannabis and inhalants, are cheap and easily accessible. Many youths turn to these substances to numb their emotional pain, cope with anxiety, or seek temporary escape. In a country where mental health services are scarce and stigma is prevalent, few individuals receive help before addiction takes hold.

In a discussion with the Sunday Tribune, Dr Ola Ibigbami, a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Perth Children’s Hospital in Australia, emphasized that substance use often isn’t about pleasure; it’s about coping. Many young people turn to drugs or alcohol to manage emotional pain that they struggle to handle. This pain can stem from issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, low self-esteem, or overwhelming stress related to family, school, or economic hardships.

He also noted that adolescence is a particularly vulnerable stage of development. The areas of the brain that seek reward and excitement mature earlier than those responsible for judgment and impulse control, making young individuals more prone to risk-taking, especially under peer pressure.

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There is a strong connection between substance use and untreated mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. In many cases, drugs are used as a form of self-medication. Unfortunately, while substances may provide temporary relief, they often worsen mental health issues over time and lead to dependence.

Discussing the accessibility of commonly abused substances, Dr Ibigbami pointed out that many are relatively easy for young people to obtain, often through informal markets, street vendors, peers, or diverted pharmaceutical supplies. In some cases, these substances are even cheaper and easier to access than mental health care. There is little to no regulation of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, cigarettes, and illicit drugs such as cannabis, heroin, crack cocaine, and inhalants.

The most commonly abused substances among young people in Nigeria include cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine products, as well as pharmaceutical opioids such as tramadol and codeine-containing syrups. This is particularly alarming, as these substances are often perceived as “safe” or “medicinal,” which lowers awareness of their risks.

We are also seeing increasing concerns about the abuse of sedatives, inhalants, and stimulant drugs. The combination of availability, low cost, weak regulation, and social normalization makes experimentation and eventual dependence more likely.”

Corroborating with Dr Ola Ibigbami, Professor Ifeanacho said, “We used to talk about cocaine. However, the high cost of it has prompted these youths to seek alternatives. These alternatives are substances that have not been tested for their health implications, such as mixing popo leaves and various concoctions, inhaling fumes, and other mixtures prepared by traditional medical practitioners.

“There is also a combination of drugs that are typically prescribed for people with mental health issues. Our youth can purchase these over the counter. You may have heard about one that, after ingestion, causes someone to stand or sit still, like a zombie, for hours. There’s also one used in making cocktails.”

Professor Ifeanacho shared a personal experience where someone mentioned they would cook soup, which he assumed was traditional. When he offered to help with the cost, the person dismissed him, saying, “You don’t know what kind of soup I mean.”

He explained that they mix various ingredients, including “Fuji milk” and a mysterious small bottle, creating a concoction that calms anyone who consumes it for hours. He expressed concern about its effects on the body, questioning its impact on the kidneys, heart, and neuropsychological health.

“That’s the most dangerous part of it, as this substance affects your ability to perceive reality. What it does to your kidneys, heart, and neuropsychological functions is unknown.”

He raised concerns about the government’s insufficient commitment to addressing this issue, stating, “Beyond the establishment of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the arrest and sentencing of individuals, as well as the rehabilitation of a few, we have not effectively tackled the scale of the problem.

“Who is responsible for protecting our youth? Is it the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)? Their focus appears to be on pursuing drug distributors, while there seems to be little concern regarding the extent to which this issue has permeated our communities. This is not limited to universities; it extends to secondary schools and, alarmingly, even primary schools, where substance abuse is prevalent. There seems to be a lack of awareness as we are all consumed by the political turmoil surrounding us.”

Addressing the health and mental impact this situation has on the country, Dr Adeogun remarked, “The repercussions extend well beyond the surface. It undermines health, leading to liver and kidney failure, respiratory issues, and a heightened risk of infections such as HIV and hepatitis. It also disrupts education, resulting in poor academic performance, increased dropout rates, and unfulfilled ambitions.

“Mentally, the impact is even more devastating. Drug use and mental illness are deeply intertwined. Many youths suffer from depression, anxiety, psychosis, or suicidal tendencies linked to prolonged use. Families crumble under the strain, and communities lose their stability as violence, crime, and hopelessness rise.”

Regarding the economy, Dr Adeogun stated, “The cost to the nation is staggering. Drug abuse drains productivity, increases healthcare spending, fuels insecurity, and perpetuates cycles of unemployment and poverty. Every young person lost to drugs is a skilled worker, innovator, or leader that Nigeria can no longer count on. This has become both a public health disaster and an economic threat, silently undermining the nation’s human capital and future growth.”

Long-Term Impacts of Substance Abuse

Addressing the long-term effects of substance abuse, Professor Ifeanacho stated that the consequences are beyond estimation. “They are completely unimaginable for a country like Nigeria, where the healthcare system is already overloaded. We have a medicare system that waits for people to fall ill before they seek help. Prevention is lacking. When you add the issue of substance abuse among youths to the existing strains in the health sector, it could bring the entire system to its knees.

“Where will we find enough psychiatric hospitals to care for them? Have we trained sufficient staff? What about the crime associated with substance abuse? It is not just substance use; it is linked to various criminal activities, including rape and armed robbery, all kinds of nihilistic behaviors. It’s horrifying,” he said, noting, “We wait until people have seriously abused substances, and when their condition has deteriorated, we start to manage them as mentally ill individuals. Many of those you see on the streets are completely lost, with no help available.

“And, of course, there is the stigma attached to mental illness. People tend to condemn them. When you tell a young person not to smoke, and they do so anyway, they ultimately face serious consequences. Now, look at where they end up. No one cares, and then we have religious leaders who claim that these individuals have been ‘saved,’ but there is no evidence to support these claims.”

Professor Ifeanacho emphasizes the necessity of a systematic approach to mental health care within communities. He advocates for professional counselors and calls for collaboration and established reporting mechanisms.

He highlights the negative effects of neglecting early signs of mental health issues, such as family withdrawal and increased stigmatization. The professor points out that mental health problems are often poorly addressed in Nigeria, with individuals subjected to harmful practices rather than receiving proper medical care, which often leads to worsening conditions. He calls for greater awareness and acceptance of orthodox medical treatments for mental health issues.

“They are not to be touched, nor to be associated with. I pity the sufferers, but they don’t need our pity; they need our understanding. Local, state, and federal government administrators must recognize that, just as we address malaria with preventive measures, we should also treat this issue as a routine problem that requires immediate attention.”

Dr Adeogun also emphasizes that the crisis can be reversed through urgent, coordinated actions. These actions should include education and prevention in schools and communities, accessible treatment, regulation and control, economic empowerment, and public awareness. He states that these steps are vital to creating a comprehensive approach to effectively tackle the crisis.

Challenges in Seeking Assistance for Substance Abuse

Dr Ola Ibigbami addresses the challenges of seeking help, noting that “the cost of managing addiction is very high. Specialist care may involve substituting the addictive substance with a less addictive medication that can be safely weaned off.

However, the costs associated with maintaining the individual in a controlled environment, managing withdrawal symptoms, providing adequate food and nutrition, offering substitution therapy, psychotherapy, and treating any co-occurring physical or mental health conditions can be burdensome.”

He adds, “These challenges may result in incomplete treatment or failure to follow up, leading to relapse or treatment failure. Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers, as substance use is often viewed as a moral failure or a crime rather than a health condition. Many families conceal the problem until it escalates to a crisis, often delaying treatment.”

Dr Ibigbami also highlights the limited access to appropriate care. “Specialist addiction services and youth-friendly mental health services are not consistently available across the country, and trained professionals are scarce. Geographic distance and the lack of follow-up services further complicate recovery.”

“Importantly, many individuals with substance use problems also have underlying mental health conditions. When these conditions are not recognized or treated alongside the addiction, the likelihood of relapse increases.”

Regarding the effectiveness of current treatment programs in Nigeria, Dr Ibigbami asserts that treatment can be effective when it is evidence-based, continuous, and compassionate. Approaches that combine psychological therapy, family involvement, and treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions tend to be the most effective, especially for young people.

“However, the overall impact of treatment programs in Nigeria is limited by gaps in availability, inconsistent quality, and weak aftercare. Some programs rely primarily on punishment or unstructured abstinence without addressing mental health needs, which undermines long-term success.”

Key Messages to Take Away

In their concluding remarks, the experts called for a unified approach to addressing substance abuse. Professor Ifeanacho cautioned that turning to substances does not resolve underlying issues; instead, it impairs one’s ability to face reality.

While users may find temporary relief, as the effects fade, they often confront persistent problems, leading to cycles of use and potential addiction. He emphasised that true strength lies in discipline and determination, warning that reliance on substances for empowerment can harm physical, mental, and spiritual health. Therefore, abstaining from drugs is advisable.

Professor Ifeanacho urged government entities to adopt a new perspective on mental health, advocating for community-level treatment options. He highlighted the importance of not labeling substance abusers as “social sinners,” but rather promoting a more supportive and understanding approach.

He also advised parents to be mindful of granting their children excessive freedom, as combating substance abuse is a collective responsibility. He pointed out that many respected individuals, including clergy and legal professionals, grapple with substance issues, underscoring a societal challenge that demands immediate attention.

Dr. Ola remarked that substance use often reflects distress rather than deviance, advocating for more investment in mental health care, stigma reduction, and the creation of supportive environments for youth to seek help without fear.

Dr Adeogun described substance abuse as a national emergency that transcends youth issues. He emphasised the need for compassionate and proactive intervention, affirming that employing evidence-based strategies and empathy can save lives and lay the groundwork for a healthier nation.