Mental health experts and legal practitioners have identified cannabis, opioids and alcohol as the most commonly abused substances in Oyo State, warning that drug-related cases in Nigerian courts have risen sharply.
They spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Friday to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26.
Dr. Oluwagbemi Ibrahim, Registrar at the Psychiatry Department of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, said cannabis, opioids, tobacco, alcohol and amphetamines were the substances most frequently abused by patients attending psychiatric clinics across Ibadan and Oyo State.
According to her, cannabis, opioids and alcohol remain the most prevalent, while the use of amphetamines is also increasing.
Ibrahim said psychoactive substance use often begins during adolescence, particularly between the ages of 15 and 19, citing World Health Organisation (WHO) data. However, substance use disorders are most commonly diagnosed among people aged 18 to 35.
She attributed the growing trend to peer pressure, the desire to fit into social circles, curiosity, negative role models, and attempts to cope with stress and other life challenges.
“Some young people also use drugs for recreational purposes, while others see them as an escape from personal difficulties,” she said.
The psychiatrist said drug abuse frequently leads to dependence, psychotic illnesses, mood disorders and behavioural changes. She added that prolonged substance use could also result in liver damage, diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular and endocrine disorders.
She advised young people to reject drugs, avoid friends and environments that encourage substance use, engage in productive activities and seek help when faced with emotional or psychological challenges.
“When the consequences of drug abuse emerge, the individual bears them alone,” she warned.
Ibrahim also urged parents to be positive role models and become more involved in their children’s lives, stressing that prevention remained the most effective strategy against addiction.
“If you are already struggling with addiction, there is hope if you seek professional help,” she added.
Also speaking, legal practitioner Mr. Oluwatobi Fatoki expressed concern over the growing number of drug-related offences before the Federal High Court, describing the increase as alarming.
“The volume of drug cases before the Federal High Court has skyrocketed. It is a disturbing trend,” he said.
Fatoki noted that while the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) leads the fight against illicit drugs, agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) also have critical roles in preventing the circulation of illegal substances.
He said most drug cases prosecuted in Ibadan involved cannabis, although authorities also intercepted cocaine, heroin, codeine and other illicit drugs.
“But cannabis sativa remains the most common substance involved in these cases,” he said.
Fatoki explained that penalties for drug offences depend largely on the quantity involved. Smaller quantities may attract prison terms ranging from three months to two years, with or without the option of a fine, while larger quantities attract stiffer sentences.
He added that the NDLEA has continued to advocate tougher penalties, including life imprisonment for serious drug trafficking offences.
Beyond prosecution, he noted that the agency is also empowered to shut down facilities involved in the production and distribution of illicit drugs.
Fatoki called for greater efficiency and determination by the NDLEA and other relevant agencies in tackling drug trafficking and abuse.
“It is time to intensify the fight against drug-related offences through stronger investigation, prosecution and enforcement,” he said.
Source: NAN
