OVERCOMING THE SNARE OF ADDICTION

Being a presentation made at

Foursquare Gospel Church

Headquarters Yaba

Sunday,13 September2015

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Preamble – Nigeria used to be considered a

TRANSIT nation but by 2013, from facts available to

NDLEA, we became known as a USER nation.

What are the facts?

•Nigeria is the world’s 8th highest consumer of

cannabis/marijuana/Indian hemp

•Kano has the country’s highest abuse rate based on

the number of seizures, arrests of addicts and

convictions of arrested dealers.

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•It was estimated that over 3 million bottles of

Benylin Cough syrup are being consumed in both

Kano and Jigawa States daily due to the scarcity

of cocaine.

•In October and November 2012 in Ondo State,

hard drugs worth N260million was seized.

•Everyday on the average, about 2,500 teenagers

use drugs to get high for the first time in the

process of experimentation.

•About 25% of Nigerian youth have at one time or

the other, used and abused drugs.

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• Seized drugs

Drugs 2011 2012

Cannabis 175,000kg 1.2millionkg

Cocaine 706kg 17,000kg

Heroin 202kg 643kg

Psychotropic substances

2,550kg 10,000kg

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What is Drug?

It is any chemical product other than food or water,

that affects the way people think, feel, see and

behave.

What is Drug Abuse?

Inappropriate use of drugs for non-medical

purposes which can affect the individual socially,

cognitively or physically.

What is Drug Addiction?

This simply means that the individual can no

longer function without these drugs.

Addiction is a brain disease and has become a

public health issue.

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Cycle Of Addiction

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Types of Drugs Abused in Nigeria

Hemp/Cannabis/Marijuana

Street name - Igbo, Eja, Ganja, Efo, Weed, Tafe,

e.t.c.

Skunk

Mixture of weed, dried leaves and some element

of cocaine

Street name - SK, Askari

Heroin

Street name - Thailand, Brown, Gbana, Oja

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Types of Drugs Abused in Nigeria

Rohypnol

Street name - Roofies, Ref

Cocaine

Increase use amongst undergraduates

Street name - Charlie, Coke, Crack, Coco, White

Tramadol

A pain killer

Street name - Trama, TM

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Types of Drugs Abused in Nigeria

Alcohol e.g. beers, spirits e.t.c

Street name - Sepe, Paraga, Gin, Beers, Bitters

(e.g. Alomo), Sapele Water, Ogogoro, Opa

ehin,apeteshi etc

Codeine

Commonly found in some cough syrup, Benylin

with codeine, Tutolin, Emzolyn e.t.c

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Causes of Drug Abuse

Experimental curiosity

Peer group influence

Lack of parental supervision

The need for energy to work for long hours

Availability of drugs

Need to prevent withdrawal symptoms

Personality problems due to socio-economic

conditions

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Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse

Presence of drugs and their paraphernalia

Possession of drug paraphernalia like foil, rolling

paper, mirror, straw, blade etc

Possession of actual drugs, seeds or leaves in

ashtray or on clothing

Odor of drug, smell of incense, use of strong

perfumes and strong menthol sweets to dampen

or obscure smell

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Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse

Identification with drug culture

Music, lifestyle of role models, magazines

Hostility in discussing drug issues

Physical deterioration Memory lapses, short attention span, difficulty in

concentration

Poor physical concentration, slurred or incoherent

speech, unhealthy appearance, indifference to

hygiene or grooming

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Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse

Bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils

Needle marks on certain areas of the

body e.g. elbows, thighs etc

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How do we overcome this scourge

THE ROLE OF THE INDIVIDUAL

• The individual bears the primary and absolute

responsibility for his life and future

• Seek knowledge about drugs

Individual Family

Church

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•Choose your friends carefully

•Make informed choices and take responsible

actions

•Develop self-esteem and remain focused

•Steer clear of peer pressure

•Seek help as soon as possible

•Do not allow any form of experimentation

•Resolve all forms of conflict

•NEVER start at all

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The Role of the Family

Establish and nurture good relationship with your children

Initiate a Family Forum

Lead by example

Spend quality time with your family

Allow discussions before decisions are taken

Seek knowledge about contemporary issues affecting

young people

Parents need to take their responsibilities more seriously

Seek professional help quickly when necessary

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The Role of the Church

Must seek knowledge about drugs and other issues affecting the

youth

Make this an altar issue

Start a Guidance/Counseling Unit within the church

Offer help to the affected with any stigmatization

Encourage parents to know and spend time with their children

Start a Family Forum in the church to allow open discussions on

contemporary issues

Provide for the Youth Church with a dedicated and knowledgeable

Pastor

Seek to engage the Youth especially during holidays

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Conclusion

The time is NOW that we all must

recognize the pervasiveness of

substance abuse amongst our young

people and consequently appreciate that

the responsibility to confront this

destructive scourge belongs to ALL of us

albeit with different specific roles.

NEVERTHELESS, HELP IS AVAILABLE.

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Thank You