Regulatory clampdowns and financial dire straits in the polity are not slowing down youths’ patronage of illicit substances and the drug economy. They have only quickened their creative use of cheaper and novel substances that are just as potent in getting high as the conventional ones.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a concerning trend in drug abuse among its youth population. While regulatory efforts aim to curb the proliferation of illicit substances, economic challenges have exacerbated the situation, prompting youths to explore alternative means of intoxication. This has led to the emergence of a disturbing practice: the creative use of unconventional substances, ranging from faeces to nutmeg, in pursuit of a high.
Jerome’s story serves as a stark example of this trend. Lost in hallucination, Jerome inadvertently reveals his use of fermented faeces as a substitute for cocaine, highlighting the desperation fueled by financial constraints. “It’s like that cheaper and easily accessible alternative when you can’t reach cocaine,” he confesses. Such revelations underscore the dire circumstances that drive individuals to resort to unconventional substances in pursuit of euphoria.
Similarly, Lateef, another user, attests to the accessibility of faeces as a means of intoxication. “Faeces dey everywhere. You fit get am yourself or from anybody,” he remarks casually, illustrating the normalization of this dangerous practice within certain circles. For many like Lateef, the allure of faeces lies in its availability and affordability, making it a convenient option amidst financial constraints.
Tragically, families often discover their loved ones’ involvement in inhalation of faeces only after it leads to fatal outcomes. The sister of a deceased drug addict recounts her brother’s descent into drug abuse, culminating in his tragic demise. “We knew he was into codeine and all that, but we didn’t know he was introduced to inhalation of faeces until we saw him lying dead in the toilet,” she laments. Such heart-wrenching accounts underscore the devastating impact of substance abuse on individuals and their families.
The rise of homemade drugs like “Jenkem” further complicates the landscape of drug abuse in Nigeria. Originating from fermented faeces, Jenkem promises users a euphoric high akin to cocaine, albeit with grave health risks. Public Health Nigeria (PHN) warns of the potential for faecal-oral contamination during Jenkem manufacturing, which could lead to diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal infections. Moreover, the inhalation of gases produced from Jenkem poses risks of hypoxia, a condition characterized by a lack of oxygen flow to the body, resulting in severe brain damage.
In addition to unconventional substances like faeces, the misuse of common spices like nutmeg has become prevalent among Nigerian youth. Nutmeg intoxication, with its hallucinogenic effects, poses serious health risks, including seizures and organ damage. Despite its seemingly innocuous nature, nutmeg can have dangerous consequences when consumed in excess, highlighting the need for greater awareness of its potential risks.
Nigeria’s drug problem extends beyond unconventional substances to encompass a wide range of illicit drugs. The World Drug Report 2022, by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), highlights the record rises in drug manufacturing and the expansion of synthetic drugs to new markets. With over 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 using psychoactive substances, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the scale of the challenge is immense.
Efforts to combat drug abuse must address its root causes and provide support for affected individuals. Psychologists and mental health experts emphasize the importance of professional intervention and public awareness campaigns in curbing the spread of substance abuse. Moreover, the establishment of counseling and rehab centers plays a crucial role in providing support for individuals struggling with addiction.
The rising trend of creative substance abuse among Nigerian youth underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address drug abuse and promote mental health and well-being. By addressing the root causes of addiction and providing support for affected individuals, Nigeria can work towards creating a healthier and safer future for its youth.
Source: The Guardian
