What is Drug Abuse? MTN Foundation Rallies NDLEA, UNODC to Combat Substance Abuse at Conference
What is drug abuse?
In a collaborative effort to combat substance abuse through prevention, MTN Foundation, NDLEA, and UNODC came together for a multi-stakeholder conference in Abuja. The event saw key government officials and experts unite to discuss evidence-based strategies against drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
This conference follows the recent Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) stakeholder conference hosted by MTN Foundation in Lagos. So far, the initiative has successfully engaged 86,400 students and 1,440 teachers from 144 public secondary schools across 12 states, along with advocacy walks in Abuja, Lagos, and Rivers State. Additionally, a 24/7 toll-free psycho-social support helpline for affected youth was launched in partnership with the NDLEA. These efforts highlight the growing awareness and commitment to fighting substance abuse among youths in the country.
Senator George Akume, representing the Federal Government, emphasized the administration’s support for these collaborative efforts. He highlighted that the fight against drug abuse requires a unified approach and praised the ongoing initiatives for their impact.
Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi, Chairman of MTN Foundation, reinforced the foundation’s commitment to the cause. “Our mission is to reduce the rate of first-time substance abuse among young Nigerians. The power of collective action cannot be overstated,” he remarked.
Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman of NDLEA, called for substantial investments in preventive measures and early detection, stating, “The Drug Integrity Test initiative aims to establish an anti-drug culture in Nigeria. It targets students, workers, and prospective couples to prevent drug use and enable early intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation.”
Dr. Oliver Stolpe, outgoing UNODC Country Representative, emphasized the importance of evidence-based prevention programs and community involvement in tackling the drug abuse problem.
The event, held at the State House in Abuja, also highlighted the importance of grassroots initiatives and tailored interventions to meet specific community needs. It also highlighted how fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility within local communities can yield more impactful and sustainable outcomes.
MTN Foundation and Drug Abuse fight.
MTN Foundation remains committed to continuing this fight against substance abuse, aligning with the strategies and support outlined by key stakeholders at the conference. The foundation is dedicated to reducing drug abuse among Nigerian youth, and it will continue to support collaborative efforts to create a healthier, drug-free future for the country.
What is Drug Abuse, Effect of Drug Abuse, How to Prevent Drug Abuse
Understanding what is drug abuse is vital to addressing the problem effectively.
To address the question what is drug abuse, it refers to the habitual taking of addictive or illegal drugs. Knowing how to prevent drug abuse involves implementing educational programs, increasing awareness, and providing support systems for at-risk individuals. These steps are essential in combating the effect of drug abuse on individuals and society.
What is Drug Abuse?
Drug abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. It encompasses the use of drugs in a manner, frequency, or quantity that is detrimental to the individual’s physical and mental health, as well as to their social and occupational functioning.
Key Characteristics of Drug Abuse:
- Dependency: Regular and repeated use of drugs can lead to dependence, where an individual feels compelled to continue using the substance despite the negative consequences.
- Tolerance: Over time, a person may need to consume larger amounts of the drug to achieve the same effect, indicating the development of tolerance.
- Withdrawal: When a dependent individual stops using the drug, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be physical (nausea, sweating, shaking) and psychological (anxiety, irritability).
- Health Risks: Drug abuse can lead to a range of health issues, including heart disease, liver damage, mental health disorders, and increased risk of infectious diseases (e.g., HIV/AIDS from needle sharing).
- Social and Occupational Impact: Substance abuse can negatively affect relationships, job performance, and overall quality of life. It can lead to legal problems, financial instability, and social isolation.
Commonly Abused Substances:
- Alcohol: Although legal, excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to addiction (alcoholism), liver disease, and other health problems.
- Opioids: Includes prescription pain relievers (like oxycodone and morphine) and illegal drugs (like heroin). Abuse can result in severe addiction and overdose.
- Stimulants: Includes prescription medications (like Adderall and Ritalin) and illegal drugs (like cocaine and methamphetamine). Abuse can lead to cardiovascular problems and mental health issues.
- Cannabis: While some use cannabis for medical purposes, its recreational use can lead to dependency and cognitive impairments.
- Hallucinogens: Includes drugs like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and MDMA. Abuse can cause long-term psychological effects and risky behavior.
Addressing Drug Abuse:
- Prevention: Education and awareness programs can help prevent drug abuse by informing people about the risks and consequences of substance use.
- Treatment: Options include detoxification, rehabilitation programs, counseling, and support groups (like Narcotics Anonymous). Treatment aims to help individuals stop using drugs, maintain a drug-free lifestyle, and achieve productive functioning in the family, workplace, and community.
- Support Systems: Family, friends, and community support are crucial in helping individuals recover from drug abuse.
Understanding drug abuse and its implications is essential for preventing and addressing this pervasive issue effectively.
