By Sulaiman Tajudeen
CITIZENS COMPASS–Drug abuse or dependence is defined as a state of psychological or physical dependence on a drug, following the administration of the drug on a periodic, continuous basis (WHO 2015).
Drug abuse constitutes the use of any substance under international control, outside therapeutic indications, at an excessive dose level, or over an unjustified period (Tupper, 2012).
People who indulge in drug abuse cannot be regarded as healthy and developed since abusers lose their potential to this activity. The consequences of drug abuse are multifarious and range from untimely deaths to suicides, road accidents, violent crimes, laziness, mediocrity, and subsequent impoverishment, which most of the time lead to broken homes, shattered dreams, wasted potential power as the abusers struggle to sustain the habit, and subsequently become burdens to themselves, their families, and society at large.
Unfortunately, young people who are supposed to shoulder Nigeria’s future development in terms of socio-economic aspects are constant promoters of this anti-social activities of drug abuse.
Historically, drug abuse in Nigeria dates back to the pre-colonial era, when men moved from being gardeners to farmers, cultivating intoxicants such as wine, strong tobacco and other hard substances.
Illicit drugs, as we know them today, are not of Nigerian origin; they were introduced by World War II veterans who fought in Malaysia and Burma. After the war, they returned with concealed packets of cannabis souvenirs. It was with this introduction that illegal cultivation of cannabis started across the country.
Types of drugs
Alcohol
Amphetamine
Caffeine
Cannabis
Cocaine
Hallucinogens
Inhalants
Nicotine
Opiates
Sedatives, hypnotics or anti-anxiety drugs
Heroin
When drugs become harmful
Disability in the area of functioning
Failure to meet responsibilities
Health issues like mental illness
Impaired control/judgement
Risky use of the drug
Social issues (i.e., poor interpersonal relationships)
Poor academic performance
Neglect of personal hygiene
Irresponsible behaviour
Substance use disorder
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) recognises substance-related disorders resulting from the use of 10 separate drugs, which include:
Alcohol, Caffeine, Cannabis, Hallucinogens, Inhalants, Opioids, Sedative, Hypnotics or Anxiolytics, Stimulants, including Amphetamine, Cocaine and Tobacco.
Effects of drug abuse on academic performance
Dr Sulaiman Tajudeen is Head, Clinical Psychology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-araba, Lagos State.
