Drug Abuse and its Effects in Nigeria

The protection of the lives of citizens from the harmful effects of illicit drug trafficking and abuse, and the socio-economic cost implications for the society was the reason for the launched of the war on drugs and the campaign against illicit drugs activities, and the establishment of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) by the federal government of Nigeria in 1989 to curtail the trend. However after two decades, drug abuse has increased within the time frame and people have become more vulnerable to the scourge of the phenomenon despite government's seeming efforts. Some of the reasons for this drug abuse include ignorance on the part of the addicts on the health implications of their drug habits, inability to help themselves to withdraw from drugs abuse habit, peer pressure, curiosity, overwhelming social problems and genetics factors among others. The abuse of drugs either licit, illicit and prescription drugs could lead to serious health implications that threaten the live of the individual's self, parents, relations, and the society at large. The government is advised to first, have a paradigm shift from emphasis on enforcement to treating drug addicts victims that cost far less and make efforts from preventing its citizens from drug abuse through effective monitoring, extensive campaigns against drug misuse, provision of well-equipped counselling centres and well-trained professionals to handle cases of drug abuse.