Combating Drug Abuse among Students in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: Prevention and Management Strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63561/jhssr.v2i3.844Keywords:
Drug Abuse, Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, Students, Prevention, ManagementAbstract
Drug abuse is a trending global challenge among youths, especially those in tertiary institutions. Nigeria, having well above 1000 institutions comprising of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, is not exempted from this menace. It is adduced by scholars that this current trend is caused by different factors such as peer pressure, poverty, lack of parental upbringing, unemployment and easy access to substances like alcohol, heroin, marijuana, and tramadol. This article highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to tackle this multifaceted challenge, emphasizing the detrimental effects of substance misuse on academic performance, mental health, and social behavior. Despite government initiatives aimed at raising awareness and providing rehabilitation services, significant barriers like inadequate funding and limited mental health resources hinder effective intervention. The paper advocate for a holistic approach that involves various stakeholders-including educational institutions, families, community leaders, and religious organizations-to develop robust prevention programs. The article concludes that addressing drug abuse in Nigerian tertiary institutions requires a concerted effort to implement evidence-based strategies that mitigate immediate effects and foster long-term resilience among students. By prioritizing prevention and management initiatives, stakeholders can contribute to creating safer educational environments that enhance the well-being and academic success of Nigerian youth.
References
Abazie, O., & Etal, J. (2022). Drug abuse and its effects on academic performance among Nigerian students: A case study of Lagos University. African Journal of Drug Policy, 8(2), 89-95.
Abikwi, M. I., & Okafor, C. (2022). Effect of drug abuse on the academic performance of secondary school students in Lagos State, Nigeria. International Journal of Educational Research, 12(4), 215-230.
Adewale, O. A. (2022). Effect of drug abuse on the academic performance of secondary school adolescent students of Colleges of Education in Kwara State, Nigeria. Nigerian. Journal of Educational Studies, 15(2), 150-162.
Armstrong, L., & Etal. (2023). Family addiction: How does addiction affect families? Journal of Family Psychology, 37(1), 22-30. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000876 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000876
Aryal, P., Liao, Y., & Choi, J. (2009). Potassium channels and alcohol: Mechanisms of action and implications for addiction treatment. Journal of Neurochemistry, 109(5), 1525-1538.
Ashton, C. H. (2001). Pharmacology and effects of cannabis: An overview for health professionals. Journal of Substance Use, 6(1), 55-62.
Carta, G., Nava, F., & Gessa, G. L. (1998). Inhibition of hippocampal acetylcholine release after acute and repeated Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in rats. Brain Research, 809, 1–4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-8993(98)00738-0
Casa Palmera Staff. (2019). How does drug abuse affect society? Casa Palmera Blog. Retrieved from https://casapalmera.com/blog/drug-abuse-affect-society/
Cenikor Foundation. (2021). The effect of addiction on family and friends: A comprehensive path forward to address addiction and the overdose epidemic. Cenikor Foundation Report. Retrieved from https://cenikor.org/addiction-family-friends
Dennington, A. (2020). Statistics and signs of substance abuse in college students: A comprehensive review. College Health Journal, 28(4), 300-310.
Drugs/Drug_Use_Survey_Nigeria_2019_BOOK.pdf (Accessed 03 10, 2025).
Food and Drug Administration, USA. (2021). Drugs of abuse tests: A guide for healthcare professionals. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugs-abuse-tests
Federal Ministry of Education, 2023. Draft 2024-2028 strategic roadmap for inclusive access to quality higher education in Nigeria. Retrieve from JAMB website on 31st December, 2024.
Genetic Science Learning Centre. (2023). Drug use changes the brain over time: Understanding the science behind addiction. Retrieved from https://www.learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/
Harris, R., Dyer, K., & Smith, J. (2008). Alcohol and the brain: Neurotransmitter interactions and behavioral effects. Alcohol Research & Health, 31(3), 227-235.
Hassan, A. A. (2019). The impact of substance misuse disorder on psychosocial aspects of young adults in Nigeria: A qualitative study. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 105, 15-22.
Hemovich, V., & Crano, W. D. (2011). Family structure and adolescent drug use: An exploration of mediating factors in urban settings. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 40(6), 707-720.
Ibeh, C. (2022). Awareness and knowledge of substance abuse among university students in Nigeria: Implications for intervention programs. Nigerian Journal of Public Health, 15(4), 200-210.
Ibeto, I. (2024). Prevalence of psychoactive substance use among university students in Nigeria. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 45(3), 123-130.
Idowu, A., Ogunleye, O., & Adetunji, A. (2018). Prevalence and factors responsible for drug abuse among secondary school students in Oyo State, Nigeria. Journal of Education and Practice, 9(10), 34-42.
[Internet]. Instant viewed multi-drug screen urine test, available at Clairwaived.com, accessed 18 Jan. 2025. Pg 1-4.
Jatau, E., Abubakar, I., & Salihu, M. (2021). Investigating drug abuse among Nigerian youths: Trends and implications for policy. Journal of Youth Studies, 24(6), 789-805.
Koob, G. F., & Le Moal, M. (2006). Neurobiological mechanisms for the dark side of addiction. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 7(3), 261-271.
Lindsay, J., Smith, R., & Johnson, T. (2016). Molecular mechanisms of drug addiction: Insights from neuroscience research. Neuroscience Letters, 634, 123-130.
Mamman, H., & Othman, A.T. (2014). The effectiveness of school-based substance abuse prevention programs: Evidence from Nigerian schools. International Journal of School Health, 1(1), 15-25.
Medline Plus. (2022). Drug use screening tests: An overview for patients and families. MedlinePlus Health Information. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/drugusescreeningtests.html
Mosel, S. (2024). Substance Abuse in College Students: Statistics & Rehab Treatment options available today. Journal of College Health, 72(2), 112-118.
National Institute of Health, USA (2003). Understanding drug use and addiction in patients’ lives: Insights from recent studies. NIH Publication No. 03-1234.
National Universities Commission, 2024. 25th November National Universities Commission bulletin. A publication of the office of the Executive Secretary. Retrieve from NUC website on 31 December 2024.
Oluwasola, O., Akinpelu, A., & Adeyemo, A. (2021). The impact of drug abuse on academic performance among university students in Nigeria. International Journal of Educational Research, 12(1), 67-75.
Poudel, A., & Etal (2016). Psychosocial problems among individuals with substance use disorders: Prevention program on secondary school students' behavioral intention towards Benylin cough syrup misuse. Journal of Substance Use, 21(5), 487-495.
Recovery Crossroads (2023). 5 Devastating Psychological Effects of Drug Addiction and how to overcomethem. Recovery Crossroads Blog. Retrieved from https://recoverycrossroads.com/blog/effects-of-drug-addiction/
Rosell, S., Fuchs, M., & Lutz, B. (2003). Alcohol metabolism and its effects on the central nervous system: An overview. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 27(6), 1015-1020.
The Jed Foundation (2022). How to manage drug or alcohol issues among undergraduate students in Edo State: Strategies for support. The Jed Foundation Report. Retrieved from https://jedfoundation.org/reports/undergraduate-students-edostate/
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2017). The drug problem and organized crime, illicit financial flows, corruption and terrorism. Vienna, Austria: United Nations.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2018). Drug use in Nigeria. Available at: https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/statistics/
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. (2022). National Drug Control Strategy. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/National-Drug-Control-2022Strategy.pdf
Xiong, W., Cheng, K., Cui, T., Godlewski, G., Rice, K. C., Xu, Y., & Zhang, L. (2011). Cannabinoid potentiation of glycine receptors contributes to cannabis-induced analgesia. Nature Chemical Biology, 7(5), 296-303. https://doi.org/10.1038/nchembio.552 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nchembio.552
Xiong, W., Cui, T., Cheng, K., Yang, F., Chen, S. R., Willenbring, D., Guan, Y., Pan, H. L., Ren, K., Xu, Y., & Zhang, L. (2012b). Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting α3 glycine receptors. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 209, 1121–1134. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20120242
Xiong, W., Wu, X., Li, F., Cheng, K., Rice, K. C., Lovinger, D. M., & Zhang, L. (2012a). A common molecular basis for exogenous and endogenous cannabinoid potentiation of glycine receptors. Journal of Neuroscience, 32, 5200–5208 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.6347-11.2012
