Experts have identified cannabis sativa, opioids, and alcohol as the most abused substances among patients as drug-related cases continue to rise sharply.
They made this known in separate interviews with journalists in Ibadan on Friday, in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The day is commemorated annually on June 26.
Dr. Oluwagbemi Ibrahim, Registrar of the Psychiatry Department at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, identified cannabis, opioids, tobacco, alcohol, and amphetamines as the most abused substances among patients in clinics across Ibadan and Oyo State in general.
Ibrahim noted that while cannabis, opioids, and alcohol remain the most prevalent, amphetamine use is also being recorded.
According to the psychiatrist, initiation of psychoactive substance use commonly occurs during adolescence (ages 15–19), based on World Health Organization (WHO) data.
However, she added that substance use disorders are mostly seen in individuals between 18 and 35 years.
“Youths start taking drugs due to peer influence, the need to belong, youthful curiosity, and having role models who use substances,” she said.
Ibrahim added that some youths use drugs to escape or cope with life challenges and stressors, while others use them for recreational purposes.
On health complications, she said the most common issues she treats include dependence on psychoactive substances, psychotic disorders, and mood disorders, as drugs alter thought, perception, mood, and behaviour.
She listed organ damage such as liver damage, as well as endocrine and cardiovascular disorders like diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as other physical health risks of drug abuse.
Ibrahim advised youths to learn to say “no” when offered drugs because “when the consequences surface, they will bear it alone.”
She urged young people to keep only friends who do not use drugs, avoid places where drugs are available, adopt healthy coping strategies for life challenges, and seek help when needed.
“Don’t be idle! Get busy with productive activities,” she advised.
The psychiatrist also called on parents to be worthy role models and be more present in their children’s lives to guide and protect them.
“When it comes to drugs, prevention is better than cure. But if you are already a victim of addiction, there is hope if you ask for help,” she said.
Mr. Oluwatobi Fatoki, a legal practitioner, expressed concern over the rising number of drug-related offences in Nigerian courts, noting that cases before the Federal High Court have “skyrocketed.”
Fatoki said the sharp increase in drug cases “saddens one’s heart.”
He explained that the Federal High Court handles drug law enforcement matters in Nigeria, with the NDLEA as the lead agency tasked with curbing the spread of illegal drugs.
“Anyone can get hard drugs anywhere now. NDLEA cannot do it alone. The Nigeria Customs Service also has a pivotal role to play, as do NAFDAC and society at large,” he said.
According to the lawyer, illegal substances that fuel criminality and affect youths are regularly intercepted at borders and within the country.
In Ibadan, he said most NDLEA cases involve cannabis sativa, though people also deal in cocaine, heroin, codeine, and others.
“But the most common is cannabis sativa,” he emphasised.
Fatoki explained that punishment for drug offences depends on the quantity trafficked. For quantities of 500 grams or less, courts sometimes impose sentences of three to six months, or up to two years, with or without the option of a fine.
For larger quantities (kilograms), sentences are stricter, often two years and above, depending on the circumstances.
He noted that while the NDLEA has appealed for stricter punishments such as life imprisonment, the current penalties already show how seriously drug trafficking is viewed.
Apart from prosecution, Fatoki said the NDLEA is also empowered to seal facilities involved in producing hard substances.
He urged the NDLEA to be more proactive, efficient, and determined in the fight against illicit drugs.
“It’s high time they took the bull by the horns to fight drug-related cases,” he said. “The law should also thoroughly investigate and prosecute offenders.”
