John Irabor, a suicide survivor and mental health advocate, has advised individuals who have never used drugs to avoid trying them, warning that once started, stopping can be extremely difficult.
Irabor gave the advice during an interview with reporters on Tuesday in Lagos.
He defined drug abuse as the repeated, excessive, or improper use of substances—including alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications—to alter mood, feel better, or cope with emotions.
“Once an individual starts taking substances, it can be very difficult for them to stop,” he said.
Irabor explained that drug abuse often creates a false sense of empowerment, with users believing that “the more one uses drugs and substances, the more exploits they will achieve and the greater their success in life.”
He shared that despite repeated efforts to quit, his own attempts proved unsuccessful until the situation escalated and required urgent intervention.
According to him, he battled drug abuse and addiction for 25 years, which ultimately led to a suicide attempt.
Irabor identified strong support systems as a vital factor in helping people break free from the grip of drug abuse, suicidal tendencies, and mental health challenges.
He credited the support from his family members, loved ones, and religious leaders for facilitating his recovery from addiction and mental health struggles.
“One needs a strong support system to overcome drug abuse and addiction,” he said.
“I struggled silently with drug addiction for 25 years before attempting suicide. I was rushed to the hospital, and it was at the psychiatric facility that my real recovery began. For the first time, I experienced people genuinely caring about my mental wellbeing and connected with others facing similar struggles. It was an environment filled with empathy and compassion—something I had never truly felt before.
“My parents, other family members, and religious leaders were readily available, rallying around me and providing the care and support I needed,” Irabor recounted.
Citing a World Health Organization (WHO) report, he noted that over 70 per cent of mental health disorders are linked to drug and substance abuse.
Irabor highlighted therapy, community support, and counseling as other crucial approaches to overcoming drug abuse and addiction.
“Therapy provides a safe space to speak one-on-one with a counselor about whatever you’re struggling with,” he explained.
“Therapy helped me unpack deep-seated feelings of not being good enough, of being a burden, and of overwhelming shame. I also started antidepressants to support my recovery process.
“Before then, I had mostly been on my own and had never truly discussed my mental health or emotions. Being part of a community of people who care and encourage one another was also very important,” he added.
Irabor therefore urged anyone who has not yet experimented with drugs to stay away entirely.
“Not everyone is fortunate enough to have the necessary support systems to successfully escape addiction,” he warned.
