The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a strong warning that alcohol, caffeine and nicotine are potential “gateway” substances leading to drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
NDLEA Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, Ugochukwu Emeka, gave this warning on Tuesday at an event organized by the Abuja Area Municipal Council (AMAC) and Mathias Aliu, a councilor representing Wuse district.
He explained that although these substances are widely accepted in society, their misuse often begins a path towards more dangerous drug addictions.
He emphasized that even minor substance abuse (starting with what may seem harmless like alcohol or caffeine) can gradually lead to dependence on highly addictive and harmful drugs.
He said: “Caffeine is acceptable. Nicotine is acceptable in society, but hear me out, these are the starting points. These socially acceptable drugs are divided into three: alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.
“Let me tell you, alcohol is a drug; WHO, Google, annually [substances] Three million deaths are estimated, 2.6 million are alcohol and 0.6 are other drugs. Alcohol is a depressant. It depresses your central nervous system. It is the starting point of every depressant.
“We are talking about gateway medications, we need to move away from gateway medications.”
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The survey confirms the statement
This concern aligns with the findings of international agencies on substance abuse in Nigeria.
A joint survey by the Nigerian government, the European Union and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) revealed an alarmingly high prevalence of drug use in the country: 14.4 percent of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 reported using drugs in the past year, almost three times the global average of 5.6 percent.
Cannabis remains the most commonly used drug, followed closely by opioids, including prescription medications such as tramadol. These substances are widely available, particularly in urban centers, where they are often seen as coping mechanisms amid economic hardship and social instability.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also highlights that alcohol alone causes around three million deaths each year worldwide.
In Nigeria, as in many developing countries, young people are increasingly exposed to these “socially acceptable” drugs due to their low control and high accessibility.
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Community leaders speak
At the event, community leaders also echoed these warnings.
Nasir Usman, vice president of AMAC, described drug abuse as a “complex issue” that affects not only individuals but entire communities.
He highlighted the need for residents to actively participate in preventive efforts and emphasized that the ripple effects of drug addiction are felt at all levels of society, from public health burdens to loss of productivity and concerns. for security.
“Everyone sitting here has a key role to play. If you have a friend who is a user, you should help and advise them. “Drug abuse is spreading rapidly, let's do everything we can to keep our streets safe,” he said.
The councilor representing the Wuse district, Mathias Aliu, also called the campaign a “call to action”, urging parents, educators and local leaders to strengthen drug abuse prevention and encourage healthier lifestyle choices. healthy among young people.
“We have lost great lives to drug addiction. “I want us to work to have a future without drug dependence,” he said.