Faeces, nutmeg, illicit substances
not the only substances creatively used to get high.
Inhaling fumes from glues, liquid solvents, gasoline and fuel gasses, aerosols, nitrites, and fire extinguisher propellants are a part of creative inventions. Other common homemade substances used by addicts include a concoction of carbonated soft drinks, homemade alcohol, gutter water, and sodium hypochlorite solution ( bleach). Pure plant- based compounds are also available. Some consume pawpaw leaves and seeds, zakami ( Datura metel) seeds, and moringa ( zogale) leaves by chewing or smoking them.
Aside from restricted access to hard drugs and financial constraints in their purchase, some drug users desire a stronger and longer- lasting high, thus they prefer them to traditional drugs. It is also discovered that some individuals will use these drugs, like petrol, to increase their energy levels to perform strenuous labour.
Some use them to extend the duration of their sex escapades. Research has proven that psychoactive drugs have a very strong potency. These new psychoactive substances are dangerous for public health, but because they are difficult to detect, they are not regulated by existing conventions on drugs, such as the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs or the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which makes it easier to detect, classify, and regulate traditional drugs like ecstasy, cocaine, and cannabis internationally.
The NDLEA Commander of Narcotics in Borno State, Iliyasu Mani, had said that the depth of drug abuse had reached a worrying degree.
Mani said: “Our battle against drug abuse is increasingly challenging, especially with young teens and women being involved. Not only are regular items being abused, but more dangerous materials like camel pee, lizard dung, and most importantly, fermented human urine that has been kept for more than ten days, are being used.”
According to him, the command has instituted drop- in centres for drug abuse research in all tertiary universities, detained 863 individuals, and seized 4.5 tonnes of illegal substances while he was in charge.
He continued by saying that out of the people detained, 53 had been found guilty and 736 were receiving counselling. According to the 2018 household survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which was reassessed in 2021 and 2022, Nigeria had a 14.3 per cent drug addiction rate, which was three times higher than the 5.6 per cent global average.
“The survey put the prevalence of illicit drugs in the north- east at 13.6 per cent, 12 per cent in the north- west and 10 per cent in the North- central.”
A concerted effort is germane
U
RGING the public not to relent in fighting against substance abuse, he
Inhaling fumes from glues, liquid solvents, gasoline and fuel gasses, aerosols, nitrites, and fire extinguisher propellants are a part of creative inventions. Other common homemade substances used by addicts include a concoction of carbonated soft drinks, homemade alcohol, gutter water, and sodium hypochlorite solution ( bleach). Pure plant- based compounds are also available. Some consume pawpaw leaves and seeds, zakami ( Datura metel) seeds, and moringa ( zogale) leaves by chewing or smoking them.
stated that the agency has strengthened its efforts towards prevention strategy through the establishment of remodelled counselling and rehab centres in the State. But one part is ignored, these substances are accessible and can be manufactured at home. What reach does the Agency have to each family in the Federation? It boils down to the role of families, schools and the community where individuals especially youths are prone to bad influences - monitoring, orientation and taking advantage of rehab centres provided by the Enforcement Agency amongst other measures have become paramount. According to Yusuf Aliu, a police officer has said that the Nigerian police and other law enforcement organisations that frequently enforce laws through intimidation ntimidation and the war on drugs should be e kept apart for the campaign to be successful. ful.
“This is mainly because use punishing drug users brutally hasn’t made drugs less accessible or less popular ular in Nigeria. The usual consequence of habitual abitual use of these homemade products to get high is extreme violence, gang rape, drug- ug- induced suicide, paranoia, subpar academic emic performance, thievery ( to support the habit), school dropout, poor health, debt, and resource ( money and material) waste are some of the outcomes of drug addiction among students.
“Substance misuse is also so linked to anti- social vices among students, including armed robbery, obbery, racketeering, cults, and thuggery. This implies that everyone is affected by the issue of drug usage ge among children, n, including parents, the he school, other students, and the wider public.” Addicts, having yielded d to low- cost alternatives— even ven concoctions— to get euphoric, phoric, Psychologist and mental al health expert, Geraldine Chidiogo, iogo, stated that the harmful substances nces gotten from inhalation swiftly enter the bloodstream through the lungs and depress the central nervous system.
“It causes a reaction that is best described as euphoric and exhilarating feelings as well as a numbing sensation that helps users forget about the everyday struggles of growing up in dysfunctional environments. In an age where everyone wants to get high and forget their problems, especially in the state Nigeria is in, stakeholders need to step up their game or we will lose the sanity of our future generation.”
Speaking on the healing measures for youths, who improvise home goods into drugs, Maymunah Kadiri, a Psychologist, recommended that addicted individuals can seek professional support.
“Therapy can provide a safe space for survivors to process their emotions, develop coping strategies, and work towards regaining a sense of control over their lives. It is also important to raise awareness about this unusual activity and educate people about the negative impact it can have on individuals and society.
“This can be done through public campaigns, workshops, and other educational initiatives. As a result, a plan must be put in place to deal with the problem. A national campaign is needed. It must provide youth with the necessary information about the risks associated with substance use. This endeavour should be supported by reputable government organisations like the Ministry of Health and the National Orientation Agency of Nigeria.” According to the Chief Medical Director of Lagos Executive Cardiovascular Centre, Dr Folasade Alli, the economic downturn in Nigeria might have had a significant impact on personal lives.
“Alli said that financial worries, job insecurity, and increased stress levels are common at times like this, all of which can contribute to disruptive behaviours. She also stated that when individuals are preoccupied with financial concerns, they may experience heightened levels of anxiety and worry, making it difficult to get out of that addiction.
“Parents should look at their ward and pay close observation to them. When they notice strange behaviours, they should take proactive steps. Anything can happen these days. When your intuition says this child needs therapy, obey it. Chronic addiction to negative use of substances can impair judgement, decision- making, and problemsolving abilities, affecting performance at work or school.
“We must take proactive steps against these weird behaviours in addicts. The goal of campaigns should be to discourage people from experimenting with new psychoactive substances. Additionally, without stigmatising people who already use narcotics, efforts must be made to reorient them,” she said.
rea“It causes a ction that is best described as euphoric and exhilarating feelings as well as a numbing sensation that helps users forget about the everyday struggles of growing up in dysfunctional environments. In an age where everyone wants to get high and forget their problems, especially in the state Nigeria is in, stakeholders need to step up their game or we will lose the sanity of our future generation.