Adolescence is a challenging stage of life for most individuals. It often marks the onset of many unhealthy behaviours including alcohol and drug misuse. Drug abuse among young persons is widespread, with 4 in every 10 teenagers currently engaged in drug abuse.

Several factors put you at risk of substance use. These include increased adventurous tendencies, peer influence, and risk-taking behaviour.

Some adolescents experiment with drugs and stop. Some continue to use it occasionally without having any visible short-term complications. Others develop an addiction that makes them take on more dangerous drugs, causing significant harm to themselves and possibly others: family and community.

Common Illegal Drugs in Nigeria

The most common illegal drug used among Nigerian youths and adolescents is cannabis. Other illicit drugs used include cocaine, heroin, amphetamine-type stimulants and inhalants and solvents such as glue.

Here are reasons why you shouldn’t get ‘high’:

1.     Marijuana acts as a central nervous system stimulant, speeding up heart rate and raising blood pressure. It can also dull memory and lead to concentration difficulties. While death from smoking too much marijuana is rare, habitual use can lead to heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Additionally, smoking marijuana introduces a dirty substance into the lungs, leading to respiratory problems such as chronic cough and frequent lung infections.

2.     Opiates such as heroin can slow down or stop critical brain functions like breathing, leading to coma and death in overdose situations. Additionally, heroin users are at risk of HIV and hepatitis due to shared needle use. Long-term use of opiates can lead to physical dependence and addiction, making it difficult for individuals to quit even if they want to.

3.     Methamphetamine, when smoked, snorted, or injected, is highly addictive. It can speed up the heart and cause hyperthermia, anxiety, insomnia, and psychotic symptoms over time. Severe dental problems, known as "meth mouth," can also occur with long-term use. Methamphetamine use can have serious consequences on physical and mental health, leading to long-term damage to the brain and body.

4.     Moderate alcohol consumption is safe for most people, but excessive consumption can lead to problems. Alcohol is a depressant, slowing motor skills and impairing judgment. Additionally, alcohol abuse can have negative effects on relationships, work, and social life.

5.     Other effects:

Substance use impacts negatively on families, and communities, with costly social, physical, and mental health consequences. Poor academic performance, school drop-out, early marriage, and aggressive and violent behaviour are major effects of drug use/abuse by adolescents in school.

Other unpalatable outcomes of drug abuse include seizures, stroke, mental confusion and brain damage. Problems with memory, attention and decision-making make daily living more difficult. Moreover, drug abuse adversely affects nearly every organ in the body, potentially resulting in a weakened immune system, heart disease, abdominal pain, strain on the liver, lung disease, and various mental health conditions.

Preventive Strategies

It is important to keep only healthy friendships. Avoid people who pressure you to use drugs. Learn to say NO and mean it. Also, it is important to develop healthy ways of dealing with stress. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression or some other mental health challenge, seek professional help. Avoid isolation in trying times, rather be open to your parent(s) or guardian. They will help you through it. Additionally, maintain a positive attitude to life. Learn from mistakes and try again, success is only around the corner!

Stay safe, away from illicit drugs.