Internally displaced persons in nigeria

ABUJA, June 27 (Xinhua) — Nigeria is recording an increasing trend of drug abuse, especially in areas of conflict and in post-conflict settings, such as among the internally displaced persons and in refugee camps, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said on Monday.

This trend has become a “special concern” to the Nigerian authorities, Osinbajo said at an event organized in commemoration of the 2022 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking in Abuja, the Nigerian capital.

“As we are in the throes of civil conflict and terrorism, resulting in the displacement of large numbers of our population, the problem is a hydra head,” Osinbajo said, noting the prevalence of drug abuse in Nigeria called for attention.

He called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders to step up efforts toward breaking illicit drug supply and distribution chains while also commending the agency for an impressive number of drug users it had counseled and rehabilitated in the past 12 months.

“The expressed vision of the NDLEA goes beyond getting more drug criminals arrested; it is to have no drug criminals at all. We must therefore deepen the effort. Relentlessly breaking illicit drug supply chains and distribution networks; discouraging drug use through intensive outreach and sensitization, and also promptly prosecuting traffickers,” he said.

According to the vice president, in the first half of the year alone, over 11,000 drug users have been counseled and treated.

He said that there must be a multi-dimensional and holistic approach to tackling drug abuse.

On his part, Oliver Stolpe, the country representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said that the UN had renewed its commitment to ending the scourge and supporting those who fell victim to it.

From January to May, at least 5,341 drug offenders have been arrested across Nigeria, out of which 984 have been already convicted, according to Buba Marwa, head of the NDLEA.

Marwa said in the past five months, the anti-narcotic agency had also seized 154,667 kilograms of drugs, and destroyed 276 hectares of cannabis farms in deep forests across the country.

Last year, 12,306 drug offenders were arrested and 1,385 of them were convicted by the NDLEA, the official added.

On 7 December 1987, the General Assembly proclaimed 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in an expression of its firm determination to work together to promote a drug-free society worldwide.

This annual observance aims to raise awareness about the severe problem that illicit drugs pose to society. Individuals, communities, and various organizations worldwide participate in this contribution.

The theme of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day 2022, is “Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises.”

Effects Of Drug Abuse On Teenagers

Various factors can cause drug abuse and addiction among teens. First-time users are frequently exposed to readily available substances such as alcohol and cigarettes in social settings.

Insecurities or the desire to be accepted by others may cause continued use. In addition, teenagers may feel indestructible and may not consider the consequences of their actions, making them take dangerous risks with drugs [1] .

Teenage drug abuse is associated with the following risk factors [2] :

• Substance abuse in the family
• An emotional or behavioural health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Impulsive or risk-taking behaviour
• A history of traumatic events, such as an accident or abuse
• Low self-esteem or feelings of rejection by others

Signs Of Teenage Drug Abuse

There are many signs that your teen is abusing drugs, but some of the most common ones are as follows [3] :

• Problems with the law, such as curfew violations, stealing, etc.
• Problems at school, including excessive tardiness, poor grades, suspension, etc.
• Mood swings
• Loss of interest in favourite activities
• Possession of drugs
• Violent behaviour
• Withdrawal
• Depression
• Poor hygiene

Consequences Of Teenager Drug Abuse

Teen drug abuse may result in the following negative effects [4] :

• Addiction to drugs: Teenagers who misuse drugs are at a greater risk of serious drug use in adulthood.
• Poor judgment: Teen drug use is associated with poor judgment in social and personal interactions.
• Sexual activity: The use of drugs is associated with high-risk sexual activity, unsafe sex, and unplanned pregnancy.
• Mental health disorders: Drug use can exacerbate or increase the risk of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
• Changes in academic performance: Substance abuse can negatively impact academic performance.

Health Effects Of Drugs

Substance abuse can lead to drug addiction, impairment, illness, and death. The following are some of the health risks associated with commonly used drugs [5] [6] :

• Cocaine : An increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and seizures
• Ecstasy : An increased risk of liver failure and heart failure
• Inhalants : Risk of damage to the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys when used long-term
• Marijuana : Risk of impaired memory, learning, problem-solving, and concentration; risk of psychosis such as schizophrenia, hallucinations or paranoia – later in life associated with early and frequent consumption
• Methamphetamine : Psychotic behaviours are possible following long-term use or high doses
• Opioids : Risk of respiratory distress or death from overdose
• Electronic cigarettes (vaping) : Exposure to harmful substances similar to that from cigarette smoking; potential for nicotine dependence

Teenage Drug Abuse Treatment

Please do not wait to intervene if you know a teen who is abusing drugs. The sooner your teenager seeks treatment for drug abuse, the more likely they are to avoid long-term consequences. There are a number of different teen drug rehabilitation programs to choose from. Speak to a medical professional about your teen’s symptoms and determine which type of drug abuse treatment is appropriate [7] .

Drug Abuse Among The Youth Of India

As a consequence of changing cultural values, fierce competition in the spheres of education and employment, the increasing economic burden on families, and the diminishing supportive bonds for adolescents in their transitional years, the prevalence of substance abuse among adolescents is on the rise in India [8] .

Adolescents are likely to experience their first exposure to various drugs, especially those that are readily available, such as glues, tobacco, cannabis, and alcohol. A high proportion of adolescents at risk are street children, child labourers, and teens with a family history of drug abuse or other emotional or behavioural challenges at home [9] .

A study conducted by the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights found that tobacco and alcohol are the most common forms of substance abuse among adolescents, followed by inhalants and cannabis. Furthermore, an observation was made that the average age of onset of tobacco use was as young as 12 years, while another study found that 46 per cent of slum-dwelling adolescents started using both smokeless and smoking tobacco, as well as alcohol and cannabis during their childhood [10] .

De-addiction Helpline Numbers

• National Toll-Free Drug-De Addiction Helpline: 1800-11-0031
• Tobacco Quit Helpline: 1800-11-2356 (Timings: 8 am to 8 pm) Or Give A Missed Call On 011-22901701 For Registration.
• Alpha Healing Centre (Gujarat): 1800-547-2060
• Cadabam’s Anunitha (Bangalore and Hyderabad): 96111 94949
• St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation Center & Relief Services (West Bengal): 03324024603, 8961401111

Government-operated centres

• National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Kamla Nehru Nagar, C.G.O. Complex, Gaziabad. PH; 25588223, 26588663
• De-addiction Centre, Dept. Of Psychiatry, PARK STREET, DR. RAM MANOHAR LOHIA HOSP., NEW DELHI-01. PH: 23365525
• Deptt. Of Psychiatry, Safdarjung Hospital. Phone: 26198481

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