A counselling psychologist, Dr. Gloria Eifediyi, has raised serious concerns over the alarming increase in drug and substance abuse among Nigerian youths, emphasizing that abusers should be viewed as victims requiring help rather than criminals.
Dr. Eifediyi, who works at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State, made these remarks during an interview on Sunday in Lagos State, where she highlighted several factors contributing to the growing crisis.
Root Causes of Youth Drug Abuse
According to the psychologist, broken homes, negative influence from social media, boredom, and unresolved trauma are among the primary drivers pushing young Nigerians toward substance abuse.
"Drug abusers are not criminals, but victims who need help," Dr. Eifediyi emphasized, drawing attention to the compassionate approach needed when addressing this public health issue.
Devastating Consequences
The expert warned that substance abuse can lead to various mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, psychosis, and bipolar disorder, creating a cycle of suffering for affected individuals.
"As a society, we are losing our workforce. We import people to do jobs we are capable of handling ourselves," she lamented, highlighting the broader economic impact of the crisis.
Dr. Eifediyi further noted that drug abuse contributes to family breakdown, financial hardship, educational setbacks, and unemployment, creating a multifaceted social problem.
Commonly Abused Substances
The psychologist identified several substances commonly abused by Nigerian youths, including cannabis, tramadol, codeine, and methamphetamine. Of particular concern are dangerous synthetic opioids like "kush" and nitazenes, which have been linked to severe health complications and fatalities.
Call for United Response
Dr. Eifediyi called for a collaborative approach to combat the drug abuse crisis, emphasizing the role of parents, law enforcement, and other stakeholders.
"Parents must be more involved in their children's lives, know their friends, and listen to them," she advised, highlighting the importance of family support in prevention efforts.
She also urged law enforcement agencies to "clamp down on traffickers and the outlets distributing drugs to young people," addressing the supply side of the problem.
The psychologist reiterated her compassionate stance, stating: "Drug abusers are not criminals, they are victims who need help."
Stay updated on important health issues affecting Nigerians by following BenriNews on our social media platforms:
