BREAKING: 14.4m Nigerians are victims of drug abuse – NAFDAC DG

The Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye has revealed that an estimated 14.4million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse in the country.

The DG made the disclosure during her Keynote speech at the flag off of Catch them young programme held at Government Secondary School Apo Resettlement, FCT Abuja on Wednesday.

The DG who was represented by Dr. Paul Kamai, Deputy Director, Narcotics and Controlled substances FCT said “the NAFDAC- Catch them Young” programme with a focus on drug abuse education and awareness campaign on the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria.

This is extremely important because of the segment of the nation that is most affected – the youths, and by extension, our teenagers.

“As part of her mandate seeks to collaborate with stakeholders on Drug Reduction Demand programmes, such as drug abuse campaign to secondary schools to check the menace of drug abuse among young Nigerians. It is estimated that 14.4 per cent or 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse. This is alarming!

“Research findings show that one out of every four high risk drug users have been arrested for drug related offences, including possession (73%), theft (12%), sex work (five %), burglary (four %), and shop lifting (two %). Note that this data only shows the number of arrests. If we consider that most crimes go unreported, then, we will see that we have a huge problem on our hands.”

The DG stressed that two thirds of people who abuse drugs report having serious problems as a result. These problems include, missing school or work, doing poor jobs at work or school and even neglecting their family or children. These show us the bane of our society and why we must do all we can to protect our nation.

“The NAFDAC Catch Them Young Programme is a comprehensive and coordinated intensive programme focused on secondary schools, designed to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse amongst secondary school students. Drug addiction can arise from both legal such as prescribed medicines and illicit drugs. This programme is not designed to scare anyone, but to have honest conversations with you. This will help you to take informed decisions with regards to illicit drug use including alcohol consumption.

“When a drug is used/prescribed for medical purpose at the lowest risk of abuse or when a controlled drug is required for research purposes. You have the right to ask questions about any drug prescribed for you.

The DG explained that excessive use of psychoactive drugs, such as alcohol, pain medications or illegal drugs. It can lead to physical, social or emotional harm. Every victim of drug abuse belongs to a family and every family belongs to a community of households.

“Substances that youths and teens may use include those that are legal for adults, such as alcohol or tobacco since they are readily available. So many medicines, including antibiotics, tramadol, and many others are bought without the doctor’s prescription.”

“Excessive use of psychoactive drugs, such as alcohol, pain medications or illegal drugs. It can lead to physical, social or emotional harm. Every victim of drug abuse belongs to a family and every family belongs to a community of households.

On the Negative consequences of teen drug abuse the DG stressed that it might include Drug dependence which teens who misuse drugs are at increased risk of substance use disorder.Teenage drug use is associated with poor judgment in social and personal interactions.

“Drug use is associated with high-risk sexual behaviour, unsafe sex and unplanned pregnancy and drug use can complicate or increase the risk of…