By Evelyn Usman

The Lagos State Stakeholders Dialogue, held at the Youth Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address substance abuse, recognizing it as a medical problem requiring a compassionate response rather than a moral or economic issue.

The dialogue, organized by YOUTHRISE Nigeria, with the theme “Beyond the Surface: Responding to Substance Use among Young People,” brought together experts and stakeholders to address the growing concern of substance abuse among primary and secondary school pupils.

Dr. Banjo Adesoji, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the General Hospital, Ikorodu, likened the situation of substance abuse by youths to a burning building, stating that the focus had been on the wrong aspect. “We have been focusing on the substance and economic aspects, rather than addressing it as a medical problem. This is why we only see a fraction of the cases, usually when they become severe. Substance abuse is a medical problem, not an economic one,” he said.

Adesoji therefore advised parents and school administrators to be more aware of their children’s behavior and surroundings. “Parents should know their children’s triggers, and school administrators should do a better job of monitoring their environment. Many children are introduced to substances through vendors around schools”, he stated.

Dr. Sunday Amosu, Director of Research and Training and Head, Drug Addiction Treatment Unit, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, highlighted signs and symptoms of drug use that parents should look out for, including behavioral changes, unusual possessions, and physical signs like red eyes and darkened lips. “For instance, if a child who is gentle and easy-going suddenly becomes aggressive, you need to suspect drugs. A child who once sat with you to watch television suddenly gets home and stays indoors alone may be having a drug issue,” he said.

Amosu also advised parents to be vigilant and look for signs such as matches, lighters, needles, and syringes in their child’s room, as well as changes in behavior and physical appearance. “If you notice your child bathing several times and using anything that contains menthol to mask any smell, that child is likely to be using drugs. When you notice expensive things are missing in the house, it is a pointer that somebody is using drugs,” he stated.

The Zonal Commander, Zone ‘H’ National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), emphasized the agency’s efforts in advocating against substance abuse through public enlightenment campaigns, community outreach programs, and school-based initiatives. “NDLEA’s advocacy targets specific groups, including youths, women, and communities affected by substance abuse, aiming to raise awareness and promote a compassionate response. We try to talk to their conscience to identify that they are first in the problem. They have to accept the fact that if they abuse drugs, it is first an individual thing, before it becomes a societal issue,” he said.

Earlier in her welcome remark, YOUTHRISE Nigeria ‘s Programme State Lead, Eniola Adelokun, explained that the event was aimed at highlighting the dangers in drug intake , factors responsible, the psychological and legal implications.

The centre according to her, would accommodate “maginalised youths, vulnerable people and victims of gender based violence. We will also empower the marginalized youths generally. We are not just into drugs”.