By Lucky Isibor
A Counselling Psychologist at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) Irrua, Dr. Gloria Eifediyi has appealed to membes of the public not to be treating drug addicts as criminals, but should rather see them as unfortunare victims who need counselling, society’s support and rehabilitation. She urged the society to try to understand the reality of the problems of drug abuse and appreciate the fact that it is a threat to the future of our youth and the nation at large.
Dr. Efediyi made the submissions while delivering the 7th Annual Lecture of the Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF) titled “The High Cost of Getting High: Understanding the Risk of Substance Abuse”, at Ekpoma on Thursday, 26 June.
While defining drug abuse as “The habitual misuse of drugs, both legal and illegal, in a way that has negative consequences on a person’s physical, mental, and social well-being”, Dr. Eifediyi gave frightening statistics of drug abuse in the country and enumerated the sources of the illicit drugs.
“In Nigeria, it is estimated that 14.4% or 14.3 million people between ages 15 – 64 years abuse drugs (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, 2022).Drugs abuse is most common among ages 25 – 39 years. Most commonly abuse drugs is the cannibal followed by opioids, India hemp, Morphine, Codeine, Tramadol, Fantanyl, White powder, Ghost, Manpower, Horsepower, Gbefun, Kick & fire,Cloud 9, Knock – Down, Fire – fire, Koko sambal, Oga abeg, Evostic gum, Vaping, Petrol Aerosols, Thinners, Varnish remover & Industrial solvents, Sewage gas, Shoemaker gum/Evostic gum, etc.”
While calling for enlightenment and public awareness on the effects of drug abuse on the individuals and the society in general, Eifediyi urged parents to take extra care of their children by knowing the company they keep among others.
“The effects of drug abuse can be devastating. They can alter the physical, mental, and social aspects of a person’s life, leading to significant challenges in various domains. It’s important to understand these effects, to raise awareness and promote prevention and treatment.
“Drug abuse can take a toll on the body, resulting in a range of physical health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Substance abuse can also lead to the damage of organs and body systems, such as the liver, kidney, heart, and lungs.
“The Mental Health Effects on the individual: Drug abuse can significantly impact mental health. It can lead to changes in brain structure and function, affecting cognitive abilities, decision-making processes, and emotional regulation. Individuals who engage in drug abuse are at an increased risk of developing mental health disorders, such as:Anxiety and depressionpsychosis.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)Bipolar DisorderAdolescent schizophreniaEating disorders, especially bulimia
“Drug abuse is often accompanied by a devastating social impact upon the society: Education and Employment, Strain family relationship and social isolation, Early and unwanted Pregnancy, Financial consequences, Legal trouble and consequences, Housing problems
“The effects of drug abuse are pervasive and destructive, affecting not only the individual but society as a whole. Addressing the issue of drug abuse requires a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, treatment, and support for individuals struggling with addiction.
“Society should try to understand the reality of the problem at hand, admit the fact that it is a threat to the future of our youth, and become resolute to overcome the challenge.Do whatever it takes in liaison with the relevant Agencies and other stakeholders to cut the supply chain of illicit drugs on our streets, schools, and public places. Because no matter the efforts put in place to address dr*ug dependency, if the supply chain is not addressed, the victims will continue to relapse.
“People with drug dependency should not be regarded as criminals, but rather as unfortunate victims who need counselling, support and rehabilitation. Parents should make extra efforts in monitoring the behaviors, attitudes of their children, and always ensure that they vet the type of company their children keep.
“Parents and guardians should as much as possible regulate how they overpamper or treat their wards and try to always assess what they do now for their children in relation to the outcome of their actions or inaction in the future.Youths should always avoid bad company of friends whose attitude and behaviors are not in conformity with the standard norms and acceptable behaviors of the society.”
Welcoming guests to the lecture, the Chief Responsibility Officer (CRO) of Josemaria Escriva Foundation, Comrade Dr. Jude Obasanmi thanked those that have been assisting the foundation in executing its intervention which span education, healthcare, training of teachers among others.
“Some of our notable achievements include:Training over 300 teachers and supporting 60 public primary schools in collaboration with the TY Danjuma Foundation. Coordinating the EU-sponsored Youth Empowerment for Participatory Democracy initiative in Edo State. Implementing the CAFES project, which promotes self-discovery and purpose among youth and teenagers.Conducting campaigns against drug abuse, human trafficking, gender-based violence, and health threats such as Lassa fever and monkeypox.Offering free screening and referral services for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.Deploying a portable digital X-ray machine for chest examinations.Mobilizing community members to take active roles in development and governance”.
In a goodwill message, the Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua, Prof. Reuben Efediyi assured of the support of the tertiary health institution to Josemaria Escriva Foundation, stressing that drug abuse among the youths has graduated into an epidemic, adding that the topic of the lecture is apt.
Efediyi who was represented by Dr. Olukole Obadiaye, a Consultant Psychiatrist at ISTH, Irrua noted that, “The topic is very apt indeed and as a psychiatrist this is a silent epidemic and am very sure in the next couple of years, it’s going to sweep everybody away. So there is no time that we need stronger advocacy than now. Our youths have been plunged along the pathway that nobody returns from. The only thing that can save our society is this advocacy. We must talk about it as a nation, we must talk about it as a family, we must talk about it as a community”.
In his remarks, Hon. Lucky Esigbe, the Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, represented by his Chief Protocol, Obed Wasa, commended the Josemaria Escriva Foundation for the event and stressed that the state government will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse and in building a healthier, stronger* and more just society.
Josemaria Escriva Foundation is a non-governmental organization committed to improving lives through targeted interventions in education, healthcare, governance, and community mobilisation.
Its annual lecture series target burning socioeconomic issues, making far reaching recommendations for their resolution. This year’s public lecture coincides with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day.