The abuse of illicit drugs and pharmaceutical substances is rising across the country.
According to experts, this is largely driven by worsening economic conditions, increasing availability of narcotics, and gaps in enforcement and rehabilitation systems.
From Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt to rural communities, the consumption of substances including cannabis, tramadol, codeine-based syrups, methamphetamine and other psychoactive drugs has increased among youths and working-age adults.
The trend is raising concerns over public health risks, crime rates and productivity losses.
Drug abuse is the inappropriate, excessive or hazardous use of legal or illegal substances to alter mood, behaviour or consciousness.
It is clinically categorised as a substance use disorder and involves a compulsive pattern of substance use despite severe physical, emotional or social consequences.
It encompasses a wide range of chemical substances, including illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and other psychoactive substances. It also includes the misuse of prescription
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