The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has inaugurated a drug testing centre in Benin City, Edo State, described as the first of its kind in a teaching hospital in the South-South geopolitical zone.

The facility is expected to strengthen efforts to detect alcohol and substance abuse early and provide support for addressing the growing health and social consequences of drug misuse across the region.

The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof Idia Ize-Iyamu, disclosed this yesterday at a stakeholders’ workshop on the screening of alcohol and substance abuse, which culminated in the unveiling of the centre.

Ize-Iyamu said the establishment of the facility was more than the opening of another medical centre, describing it as a major step towards prevention, early intervention, safer communities and improved health outcomes.

She said substance abuse had become an increasing concern, with consequences that extend beyond individual users to families and society.

According to her, substance abuse can contribute to impaired judgment, road traffic accidents, violence, broken families, poor academic and occupational performance, declining productivity and, in severe cases, loss of life.

The CMD said the centre would test for a range of substances, including amphetamines, benzodiazepines, marijuana/cannabis, ethanol, fentanyl, methadone, tramadol and barbiturates.

She explained that amphetamines, sometimes known as stimulants, could cause agitation, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, impaired judgment and, in severe cases, psychosis and seizures.

Also speaking, the Director of the Forensics and DNA Centre, University of Benin, Prof Eddy Ehikhamenor, linked the rising cases of domestic violence to substance abuse.

He stressed the need for stronger preventive measures and greater awareness of the effects of alcohol and drug misuse on individuals, families and communities.

The workshop attracted stakeholders from the health, security and justice sectors, including the Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus O. Ebea; Commander, Narcotics, NDLEA Edo State Command, Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju; Chief Magistrate, Delta State Judiciary, Mrs Tegwolo Okungbowa; and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, Mr Monday Agbonika.

The stakeholders pledged to strengthen collaboration in addressing the rising cases of alcohol and substance abuse and its associated social and security challenges.