In a groundbreaking initiative to combat the rising incidence of substance abuse among Nigerian youths, renowned mental health expert Dr. Oluwayemisi Abidakun is pioneering a comprehensive rehabilitation initiative designed to provide support, education, and recovery strategies for those affected by addiction.
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Dr. Oluwayemisi Abidakun who is a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Expert at the Community Hospital, situated at Ado Ekiti under Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, Ekiti State, is renowned for designing and implementing bio-psychosocial interventions for mental, neurological, and substance-use disorders.

With over a decade of experience in clinical mental health practice for the care of adolescents and young adults, Dr. Abidakun has been pivotal in leading rehabilitation efforts for substance-use disorder patients in Nigeria. Her extensive experience in emergency, clinical, and community care establishes her as a leader in the field.

In a recent interview with newsmen on the crucial work she does in addressing the substance abuse rise in the country, she said.
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“Substance abuse is becoming alarmingly rampant amongst adolescents in Nigeria, especially adolescents in vulnerable settings. Rarely would you speak to boys and girls alike and they have not in one way or the other engaged in substance abuse. To curb this, we must begin by addressing the root causes of addiction, not just the symptoms”.

Our young people faceimmense pressures, and it’s crucial we must provide them with the tools and support they needto effectively navigate these age brackets and the associated challenges.” Dr. Abidakun emphasized.

This holistic program integrates modern therapeutic techniques into traditional counseling methods, empowering participants to confront the underlying issues contributing to their substance use.
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The program also incorporates educational workshops aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, equipping young people with the knowledge to make informed choices, and capacity-building for health professionals to effectively identify and manage addiction cases in adolescents.

This program has already seen tremendoussuccess as adolescent participation has improved and young people who have participated in the program report not only a reduction in substance use but also an improvement in theiroverall mental health and self-esteem.

“What we do here is incredible as we provide a supportive environment where these young people can unpack their triggers and deal with them one at a time with professional support. With individual therapy sessions, group support and recreational activities designed to promote mental well-being, we’re rehabilitating these young people one individual at a time.”
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Dr. Abidakun said. She also emphasized the importance of creating a supporting environment for these youngpeople as vital to progressive recovery, dialogue about mental health and reduction of stigma associated with the term.

Dr. Abidakun’s efforts extend beyond clinical settings as she actively spearheads mental health outreach programs across rural communities in Nigeria, with a team of dedicated nurses and clinical psychologists to advocate against substance abuse.
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Her educational outreach programs to primary and secondary schools across the country ensure that young people are from an early age equipped with mental health knowledge and the education on consequences of substance abuse.

As the country grapples with the pressing need to combat substance abuse amongst the youth, Dr. Oluwayemisi Abidakun’s pioneering efforts offer hope for a healthier future for the nation’s youth.

Her pioneering work in substance abuse rehabilitation is a testament to her commitment to improving mental health care and her leadership in advocating for accessible and quality mental health services in Nigeria. Her innovative approach and unwavering dedication continue to make a significant impact on the lives of many Nigerian youths struggling with addiction.
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