A Silent Epidemic: Unpacking The Drug Crisis Among Nigerian Men
The Alarming Reality of Drug Use in Nigeria
We’ve spoken at length about the struggles men face, from silent battles with mental health to the pressures of life. Now, as a new month begins, we are dedicating this series to a crisis that has become a silent epidemic in our society: drug use and abuse among Nigerian men.
The numbers are startling and paint a picture of a society under immense pressure. According to a 2018 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), approximately 14.4% of Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 use psychoactive substances. Drug use is roughly three times higher among men than women, with the South-West region, including Lagos, reporting the highest prevalence. The drugs of choice are varied, but cannabis, opioids like tramadol and codeine, Ice, and the synthetic drug methamphetamine, known as mkpurummiri, are among the most commonly abused.
Why Men Are More Vulnerable to Substance Abuse
But these aren’t just statistics; they reflect a deeper, more personal struggle. The men turning to drugs are often trying to cope with overwhelming pressures. Research highlights factors like high youth unemployment, poverty, frustration, and peer pressure as significant drivers. For many, substance use is an attempt to self-medicate and a desperate cry for relief from the burdens of modern life.
The Ripple Effects on Families and Communities
This is a crisis that affects us all. The ripple effects are immense, contributing to a rise in mental health challenges, drug-related crime, and the spread of infectious diseases. Beyond the numbers are families torn apart, communities weakened, and futures derailed.
Paths to Healing and Recovery
This new series will take a closer look at this silent epidemic, addressing the difficult questions and exploring what we can do to help. We’ll examine the causes, the consequences, and, most importantly, the paths to healing and recovery.
Join us as we explore what it will take to confront this challenge and build a healthier, more supportive future for Nigerian men, their families, and the communities affected by substance abuse.