Substance Abuse and Addiction

The effects of excessive use of psychoactive drugs on individuals are far-reaching, ranging from physical to mental health related problems such as paranoia, depression, seizure and damaged body systems, which may eventually culminate in the loss of lives. 

However, regardless of these underlying problems, it is a matter of great concern that individuals _ predominantly the youths nationwide _ have taken to this destructive act, and now develop an overwhelming urge for its indulgence on a daily basis.

According to a recent report by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), it is revealed that 40% of Nigerian youths between the age of 18 – 35 are habitual drug abusers.

And the question, which has gained much attention, leaving all in a state of curiosity and bewilderment, is: Having known the pernicious consequences of these hazardous substances, why do individuals continually develop a pressing urge to consume them?

Discoveries made by health practitioners show that apart from the aforementioned and some other effects of substance abuse, there’s a ‘progressive, chronic disease’ suffered by drug abusers which is termed “addiction”. 

Drug addiction is actually more than a habit because it can be a really difficult thing to curtail. Rather, it’s a neuropsychological disorder, and a persistent one at that _ a disease that tends to affect an individual’s brain and mind in such a way that he/she loses control of him/herself. When exposed to these drugs for a number of times, they begin to affect the way one’s brain feels pleasure. 

Further observations have been made that ‘experimentation’ is a vanguard of substance abuse. 60% of drug addicts today desperately wanted to explore the world and try out new things while navigating through their youthful days, but eventually ended up subjecting themselves to this acute illness (addiction). Of course, it was just an ‘experiment’ from the very onset, but one which eventually led to ‘regular consumption’. The first intake leads to subsequent, regular intakes, which eventually subject an abuser to addiction. Here is where the problem lies. This disorder gradually takes full control over his brain and he finds it hard to control himself, hence, can’t even help but perpetually indulge in this practice, despite being aware of the detrimental effects.

The only way to protect oneself from being a victim of drug addiction is to completely abstain from it, else, one will have to face the music.

Youths of today should be sensitized on the adverse effects of taking hard drugs, even as newbies. Parents, guardians and teachers should enjoin the younger ones to totally restrain from this deadly act as it would, undoubtedly, pose a detriment to their physical and mental wellbeing, thus, tremendously affect the way they choose their career goals in life.

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