National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
By Ayomide Ajumobi
Medical Director of God’s Goal Hospital, Dr. Gabriel Omonaiye, has warned Nigerian youths against drug abuse, saying abuse can damage vital organs.
According to the physician, “One of the most abused drugs in Nigeria is cannabis. There are others, such as tramadol, alcohol, cocaine, codeine and opioids.’
The University of Ilorin-trained medical doctor who has seen many victims of drug abuse also talked about the effects of drug abuse on human health.
“I have seen victims of drug abuse. The effects of drug abuse are many and varied. They include mental health problems, such as anxiety, hallucinations, abnormal and antisocial behaviours like fighting and inappropriate rages,” he explained.
Noting that the results of drug abuse are terrible on human health and social life, Omonaiye said, “Some find it difficult to hold on to jobs because of poor performance.
Some abusers have memory problems.
Dependency, addiction and withdrawal symptoms happen when deprived of the substances that are being abused.”
He however mentioned further damages drug abuse may cause. “Major organ damage could occur. Such organs as the heart, brain, lungs, kidneys and the testis are at risk,” he said, warning youths to desist from the bad habit of drug abuse.
The Federal Military Government in 1989 established the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to fight the production, trafficking, and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Nigeria.
The agency also protects Nigerians especially the youths from the dangers of drug abuse and addiction.
Its mandates also include eliminating the cultivation, processing, manufacture, sale, export, and trafficking of hard drugs among other functions.
NDLEA also rehabilitates and counsels drug addicts as well as promotes public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
