By Suleiman Tajudeen
…Continued from last week
CITIZENS COMPASS— Peer Pressure: Influence from friends or peers engaging in drug use.
Curiosity and Experimentation: Trying drugs out of curiosity or to experience their effects.
Family and Home Environment: Exposure to drug use at home or family members’ involvement in drug abuse.
Socio-Economic Factors: Poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities contributing to stress and coping mechanisms.
Cultural and Social Norms: Normalization of drug use in certain social or cultural contexts.
Lack of Education and Awareness: Limited knowledge about drug risks and consequences.
Mental Health Issues: Self-medication for underlying mental health problems.
Accessibility and Availability: Easy access to drugs, including prescription medications.
Media Influence: Glamorization of drug use in media, music, or entertainment.
Lack of Parental Supervision: Inadequate parental guidance or oversight.
Effects of drug abuse
Psychological
Addiction: Physical and psychological dependence on substances.
Anxiety and depression: Increased risk of mental health disorders.
Cognitive impairment: Affected memory, attention, and decision-making.
Mood disorders: Substance-induced changes in mood and emotional regulation.
Psychotic episodes: Severe mental disturbances, like hallucinations or paranoia.
Personality changes: Altered behavior and personality traits.
Suicidal thoughts: Increased risk of suicidal ideation or attempts.
Sleep disturbances: Affected sleep patterns and quality.
Appetite changes: Substance-related changes in eating habits.
Emotional instability: Increased emotional reactivity and instability.
Social effects
Strained relationships: Problems with family, friends, and peers.
Social isolation: Withdrawal from social interactions.
Crime and violence: Increased risk of involvement in criminal activities.
Academic and professional challenges: Decreased performance and opportunities.
Financial difficulties: Substance-related financial burdens.
Homelessness and poverty: Increased risk of homelessness and poverty.
Social stigma: Negative perceptions and labeling.
Family conflicts: Substance-related challenges within families.
Community : Contribution to social issues and community concerns.
Cultural and societal impacts: Broader effects on cultural and societal norms.
Economic effects
Financial burden: Spending on substances can lead to financial difficulties.
Lost productivity: Decreased academic and professional performance.
Healthcare costs: Substance-related medical expenses.
Crime and law enforcement costs: Increased costs for crime prevention and enforcement.
Social services costs: Expenses for social support and interventions.
Economic instability: Contribution to economic challenges and instability.
Unemployment and poverty: Increased risk of unemployment and poverty.
Reduced economic opportunities: Decreased opportunities and growth.
Increased healthcare utilization: Substance-related healthcare needs.
Economic burden on families: Financial impacts on families and caregivers.
Medical effects
Respiratory problems: Smoking-related issues.
Cardiovascular risks: Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Infectious diseases: Risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infections.
Gastrointestinal problems: Substance-related digestive issues.
Neurological damage: Affected brain function and nervous system.
Reproductive problems: Substance-related reproductive issues.
Immune system suppression: Weakened immune response.
Skin and wound problems: Substance-related skin issues.
Nutritional deficiencies: Affected nutrition and eating habits.
Increased risk of overdose: Potential for life-threatening overdose situations.
Prevention
Education and awareness: Informing students about the risks of drug abuse.
Parental involvement: Encouraging supportive family relationships.
School-based programmes: Implementing prevention programs in schools.
Community engagement: Involving communities in prevention efforts.
Alternative activities: Providing healthy alternatives, such as sports and clubs.
Peer support programs: Encouraging positive peer influences.
Counseling and guidance: Offering support and guidance services.
Life skills training: Teaching skills for coping and decision-making.
Social and emotional learning: Promoting emotional intelligence and well-being.
Policy and legislative support: Implementing policies to support prevention efforts.
Prevention of relapse
Continued support: Ongoing counseling and support.
Monitoring and follow-up: Regular check-ins to prevent relapse.
Healthy coping mechanisms: Teaching alternative coping strategies.
Support networks: Encouraging connections with supportive peers.
Lifestyle changes: Promoting healthy habits and activities.
Identifying triggers: Recognizing and addressing potential triggers.
Coping skills training: Teaching skills for managing stress and cravings.
Relapse prevention planning: Developing personalized prevention plans.
Family and social support: Involving loved ones in relapse prevention.
Ongoing education and awareness: Sustaining awareness and education efforts.
Management
Counseling and therapy: Providing support and guidance.
Medication-assisted treatment: Using medications to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Support groups: Encouraging participation in groups like Narcotics anonymous.
Family therapy: Involving families in the treatment process.
Rehabilitation programs: Providing structured treatment programs.
Detoxification services: Offering medical support for detoxification.
Individual and group therapy: Providing diverse therapeutic approaches.
Holistic approaches: Incorporating alternative therapies, like mindfulness and yoga.
Aftercare planning: Supporting transition back to daily life.
Continuing education and support: Ongoing education and support for sustained recovery.
References
Abdulrahim, D., & El-Khatib, Z. (2018). Substance abuse among adolescents in Nigeria: A systematic review. Journal of Substance Use, 23(3), 235-244.
Federal Ministry of Health. (2019). National drug abuse control policy. Abuja, Nigeria: Federal Ministry of Health.
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. (2018). Annual report on drug abuse in Nigeria. Abuja, Nigeria: NDLEA.
Dr Suleiman Tajudeen is Director, Clinical Psychology, LUTH (Retired) & CEO/Director of Clinical Psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos State. +234 803 402 4457
