Nigerian Army of Drug Addicts Rings Danger

More Nigerian youths are becoming addicted to drugs and substances causing physiological distortions of their brain chemistries; explaining the high rate of anti-social behavior in the country, a special Nigeria CommunicationsWeek investigation has shown.

Some of the drugs and substances commonly abused in the country are alcohol and Illicit drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, opiates as well as cough syrups.

Health experts said that inappropriate use of prescription medications such as diazepam, barbiturates, amphetamines or other substances may result in impairment to health and behavior and judgement.

Dr. Olumuyiwa Agbabiaka, a medical doctor said that drug addiction is a complex brain disease and that it is characterized by compulsive, at times uncontrollable, drug craving, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences.

“Drug seeking becomes compulsive, in large part as a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on brain functioning and, thus, on behavior. For many people, drug addiction becomes chronic, with relapses possible even after long periods of abstinence” Agbabiaka added.

Elsewhere, Charles Ekwunife, a psychologist, said that the mindless killings of innocent people through armed robbery, kidnapping and suicide bombings point to the clear and present danger of drug abuse.

He warned that the problem is even spiraling out of control with the startling discovery that drug abuse has crept into primary schools meaning that Nigeria may in the nearest future produce an army of lunatics.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that the proliferation of illicit drugs which used to be a major headache mainly for the Western nations is now causing authorities in Nigeria sleepless nights.

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) attributed the malaise to unfavourable social conditions and declining moral values that encourages wealth without work.

Mrs. Josephine Obi, t in Akwa Ibom state NDLEA commander, said that people turn to drugs either to escape from the realities of the moment or as a means of quick and profitable business that requires little or no investment.

“They do not know or close their eyes to the fact that illicit drugs are also a quick road to prison, societal insecurity, ill-health, destruction and death,” Obi said.

Nodding in agreement, Sanusi Lamido Sansui, governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently said that all those seeking elective political office should be subjected to drug tests to ascertain that they are not drug addicts.

“Anyone who wants to contest for political office or seeking political appointment should be asked to go for drug test. If you are in drug, you will not have the opportunity to be appointed in any position of authority in this country,” he said.

Sanusi, who blamed the elite for the prevailing moral decadence in the society, said there was an urgent need to examine the entire value system in the society.

He added that “Today we have created class even among our children and we give our children more money than they need and buy them expensive cars. We see young boys and girls moving from one office to another looking for contracts and when they get the money, they organise parties and spend the money any how”

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that the most effective way to prevent adolescent drug abuse is to invest in youth and keep them interested and involved in life.

Sanusi said that governments should continue to create employment opportunities to check drug abuse and other social vices.

Ekwunife called for moral orientation and family engagement adding that “parents must do their job and monitor the activities of their children and the kind of company they kept”