STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTING AND INTERVENING IN DRUG ABUSE AMONG NIGERIAN YOUTHS: A PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVE
BY
BANKOLE KAMORUDEEN TUNDE
ABSTRACT
Drug abuse among Nigerian youths has become a menace that cuts across every part of the nation affecting all age ranges of the youth starting from primary school pupils.
Various substances that evoke the same behavioural responses as drugs are now being co-opted.
The consequences of this trend include high morbidity and mortality rate, unproductive life among the youth and huge economic loss to the nation.
The way out stems from the family unit in which the proper home training and awareness of drug/substance abuse should be initiated. Serious awareness campaign in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions showing videos of victims of drug abuse. Effective drug control to curtail access to the drugs and the rehabilitation of the victims.
By implementing evidence-based strategies, we can reduce the burden of drug abuse and promote healthy lifestyles among Nigerian youths.
This paper examines evidence-based strategies for preventing and intervening in drug abuse among Nigerian youths from a public health perspective. Drawing on the epidemiology of substance use, risk and protective factors, and established prevention frameworks, the paper synthesizes community-, school-, family-, and policy-level interventions applicable to the Nigerian context. Special attention is given to barriers to implementation, culturally appropriate adaptations, monitoring and evaluation approaches. Recommendations emphasize integrated, multi-sectoral responses that combine primary prevention (education and life-skills), secondary prevention (early identification and brief interventions), and tertiary care (accessible treatment and harm reduction). The paper concludes with a policy and practice roadmap for stakeholders, including government, schools, health systems, civil society, and families.
KEYWORDS: Drug abuse, substance use, Nigerian youths, prevention, intervention, public health, mental health, rehabilitation, substance use disorder.
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