As Nigeria grapples with the rising tide of drug abuse, Stampout Drug Abuse Initiative (SODAi), a nongovernmental organisation (NGO) has commemorated its eighth-year anniversary, calling for urgent collective action to address this national crisis.

According to the organisation, substance abuse affects 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64, who use psychoactive substance for non-medical purposes. Furthermore, one in every four drug users in Nigeria is a woman, and one in every five persons who use hard substances is facing certain drug use disorders.

Speaking at the event in Ikeja Lagos, Executive Director, Stampout Drug Abuse Initiative, Member International Society of Substance Use Professionals, Mr. Oluwafemi Silas, said “SODAi underscores the need for a united front among government, communities, religious bodies, families, schools, and stakeholders to curb this epidemic.

He explained that drug abuse refers to the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain. The brain is weird to make one want to repeat experiences that make them feel good, and are motivated to do them again and again.

The Executive Director stressed that the drugs that may be addictive, target the brain’s reward system. They flood the brain with a chemical called DOPAMINE. “This triggers a feeling of intense pleasure so one keeps taking the drug to chase the high”.

He said the Situation in Nigeria drug abuse has ravaged Nigeria, with alarming rates of dependency and related health, social, and economic consequences. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other reports indicate widespread use of substances like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, tramadol, and other prescription drugs, particularly among youth. “This crisis demands immediate, coordinated interventions”.

In terms of preventive measures and calls to action, he said the role of government include  sanitising the drug distribution system and restrict access to dangerous drugs. Restrict access to over the counter drugs that may lead to abuse. Continue to make public awareness campaigns via print, social and electronic media through relevant government agencies both at the federal, state and local government levels.

Silas said government should review the drug laws and ensure that everybody, specialists, individuals, cultivators and carriers, involved in drug -related offenses is served with stiff penalties.

The Director said government should establish more rehabilitation centers and employ capable staff to assist people with addiction in rehabilitation centers. Stimulate the economy so as to create employment opportunities, especially for teenagers and youths in the country who are more vulnerable. Provide educational opportunities to the youths so as to make them productive rather than idle.

Empower the relevant agencies such as National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the likes by funding them adequately and allowing them discharge their duties professionally.

He said government should expand, equip and upgrade the facilities and institutions in charge of treating people with a drug use disorder. Subsidize the cost of treating people with substance use disorder.

In terms of role of the family, he noted that parents must educate their children about drug abuse because charity begins at home. Give zero tolerance for drug and alcohol use in and outside the house. Lead by example by expose their children to programmes, videos and publications that preach against drug abuse. Avoid exposing their kids to programmes, videos and publications that promote drug abuse, misuse and addiction.

The Director said parents should know the friends of their children and their family background, as this will help to prevent them from keeping bad company.  “Play your role as a parent. Do not abdicate your responsibilities in the home for the school, church or mosque. They are only there to play complementary roles”.

He said parents should engage their children to participate in activities within the scope of their interest, talent and knowledge. “This will keep them busy and reduce idleness and associated consequences”.

In terms of role of the Community and Religious leaders, he said community and religious groups have a major role to play in preventing drug abuse because they are closer to the populace and they also have a direct influence on the people under them.

Silas said they should educate and enlighten their members and followers about the dangers of drug abuse, misuse and addiction on both the society and individuals.

“They can as well set up a team of professionals among their members to counsel people suspected to be practicing drug abuse”.

In addition, he said they should also strengthen their counselling units in churches and mosques by involving professionals among them to assist in drug education and related programmes that can benefit their members.

In role of celebrities, he said celebrities are of great influence in the life of most youths, in fact they are considered as role models in the society. Celebrities such as musicians, footballers, actors and actresses, entertainers among others.

He said the celebrities can organize, participate and sponsor campaigns that are against the use of hard drugs. “They should also be exemplary leaders, and avoid indulging in anything that has to do with the distribution, trading or use of hard substances so that their
audiences can easily grasp their messages and shun drug abuse”.

Concerning Youth Groups/Organization, he said most community development association have youth arms and some youth groups exit on their own. “These groups should regularly organize programs that educate and enlighten their members on drug abuse and its ugly sides”.

He said the Youth Leaders can invite professional in the field of drug education to help deliver lectures on the subject matter so that their members may have a full understanding of it and shun it totally. “Develop alternative activities (sports, arts skills training) to engage youth”.

In the role of schools he said he said schools should integrate substance abuse education into curricula.
Organize workshops and seminars for students and teachers. Create peer support groups for affected students.

n the role of media, he said media should highlight substance abuse issues and solutions through responsible reporting. Partner with SODAi for awareness campaigns.

In role of private sector, he said private sector should
support SODAi and similar initiatives financially or with resources. Promote employee wellness programs addressing substance abuse.

The Director said the THE role of individuals help minimizing drug abuse by observing the following:
Read and understand the adverse effects of using hard drug. Associate with the right persons. Learn to handle life’s pressure rather than resorting to hard substances.

He said: “Do not give in to peer pressure. Seek professional help that can help you overcome addiction to hard substances or prescription drugs. Distract yourself from taking drugs.

He said the organisation is commitment and dedicated to empowering communities, partnering with government, schools, youth organizations, religious bodies among others. Educating on substance abuse risks,
and supporting recovery.

“We call on all stakeholders to join us in this fight”.