The work is focused about substance use and drug addiction in Nigeria.
The sub-sections explored the existing landscape of substance use/drug abuse domestically and globally while discussing the illicit use of psychoactive substances and their global health implications. Lastly, management of drug addiction was treated.
In Nigeria for instance, there have been growing concerns from various stakeholders from parents of drugs addicts to government regulatory agencies on the burden of drug abuse. The scourge of substance abuse is not limited to the individual; till date its far-reaching implications continues to fuel organized crime, illicit financial flows, corruption, and terrorism/insurgency among others.
There is therefore, need for more proactive steps to eliminate substance use problems across various demographics across the country. Interventions should also be considered amid social, cultural and economic variables that persistently stimulate the behaviour.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Review of empirical studies
3. Psychoactive Substances: The Pharmacology
4. Drug addiction and their implications
5. Management of Drug Addiction/Substance Use
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this work is to provide a comprehensive overview of the status of substance use and drug addiction within Nigeria, examining the epidemiological landscape, the pharmacological basis of substance misuse, and potential management strategies. The work addresses the societal, economic, and health-related burdens posed by the illicit use of psychoactive substances in the Nigerian context.
- The epidemiological prevalence of drug abuse across different Nigerian demographics.
- The pharmacology and neurological mechanisms of common psychoactive substances.
- The sociopolitical and economic factors contributing to substance abuse patterns.
- Evaluation of existing legal frameworks and policy responses in Nigeria.
- Holistic strategies for the management and prevention of drug addiction.
Excerpt from the Book
Psychoactive Substances: The Pharmacology
As defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO); psychoactive substances (or drugs), are “substances that have the potential to elicit changes in an individual’s consciousness, affect or thinking processes” (WHO, 2004). In many countries, the use of psychoactive substances is regulated by socio-legal structures; hence, their categorisation. As indicated below, there are several psychoactive substances that have received huge patronage including caffeine, nicotine, alcoholic beverages. There are also many widely consumed agents that have commonly abused (or misused) (in spite of the prohibited status) such as cannabis, opiates, hallucinogens among others.
First, as pharmacotherapy. Here, there are evidences that argue in favour of the therapeutic benefits of these substances in the treatment of neurological and psychological disorders in many global indigenous systems of medicine. Under orthodox system of medicine, these use of psychoactive agents are constrained to a physician’s orders, via a “prescription system.”. For example; the use of methylphenidate and ADHD.
The second category is in terms of its illicit, non-medical use. Under at least three international conventions, countries agree to “prohibit trade in and non-medical use of opiates, cannabis, hallucinogens, cocaine and many other stimulants, and many hypnotics and sedatives.” The conventions include the single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961; Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971; United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988 (UNODC, 2002). Interestingly, there is literature that posit that in spite of the prohibitions and other control measures, these substances may continue to receive wide patronage for non-medical purposes owing to, perhaps the attractive frisson phenomenon among users.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the Nigerian context regarding the diversity of substance availability and the regulatory challenges within the health sector.
2. Review of empirical studies: This section summarizes findings from numerous epidemiological studies conducted in Nigeria, highlighting prevalence rates across different demographic groups and identifying commonly abused substances.
3. Psychoactive Substances: The Pharmacology: This chapter classifies psychoactive substances based on their use, legal status, and neuropharmacological mechanisms, specifically detailing the endocannabinoid system.
4. Drug addiction and their implications: This section defines the pathophysiology of substance dependence and discusses the attributes of addiction alongside biological and non-biological risk factors.
5. Management of Drug Addiction/Substance Use: This chapter discusses prevention and treatment strategies, advocating for a combinatorial approach involving pharmacotherapy, counselling, and community-based interventions.
6. Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the work, emphasizing the necessity for proactive policy implementation and the strengthening of institutions to disrupt supply chains.
Keywords
Substance Use, Drug Addiction, Nigeria, Psychoactive Drugs, Epidemiology, Pharmacology, Cannabis, Public Health, Drug Abuse, Intervention, Rehabilitation, Policy, NDLEA, Narcotic Drugs, Mental Health
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work provides an analytical overview of the current landscape of substance use and drug addiction in Nigeria, covering prevalence, pharmacological impacts, and management approaches.
Which demographic groups are examined in the study?
The research reviews epidemiological data across various groups, including secondary school students, undergraduate students, commercial vehicle drivers, and members of the general public.
What is the primary objective of this research?
The objective is to summarize the extent of drug abuse in Nigeria and discuss the necessity for evidence-based interventions and regulatory improvements to mitigate the associated health and social costs.
Which scientific methodology is primarily employed?
The work utilizes a systematic review and analysis of existing epidemiological literature and global drug policy frameworks to profile the status of substance abuse in Nigeria.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The text covers the definition of drug abuse, the pharmacology of psychoactive substances, the prevalence of various drugs, risk factors for addiction, and potential treatment modalities.
Which keywords characterize this document?
Key terms include Substance Use, Drug Addiction, Nigeria, Epidemiology, Pharmacology, Cannabis, and Public Health.
How does the author characterize the role of the NDLEA?
The author identifies the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), established by the 2004 Act, as a critical institution in the national effort to control drug trafficking and cultivation in Nigeria.
What are the specific pharmacological mechanisms discussed regarding cannabis?
The document describes the activation of CB-1 and CB-2 cannabinoid receptors and explains how these receptors regulate the release of various neurotransmitters in the central nervous system.
What is the "frisson" phenomenon mentioned in the context of drug use?
The term refers to the psychological appeal or "thrill" that continues to drive users toward illicit substances, even in the presence of strict legal prohibitions and health risks.
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- Akinmayowa Adedoyin Shobo (Autor:in), 2021, Substance Use in Nigeria, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1175570
