By Ayodimeji Falade
The monstrous pills and potion adventure has become a dangerous route taken by Nigerian youths.
Many that are unemployed, out of school, broke, or depressed would shun help and chose this sweet evil as their haven.
These drug abuses cut across all gender as studies show that females aged 15 to 45 take drugs in Nigeria.
Ikejabird takes a look at how the drug has impacted Nigerian youth.
High Crime rate
Reports show that for every crime committed in Nigeria, the suspects had one or two psychoactive substances. It has become a trend among youths and subsequently landed them in jail.
In 2017, an armed robbery gang stormed a building, while they were under the influence of drugs and their operation lasted for 1hour. The gang were found asleep at the crime scene.
Many even spoke that these drugs, especially “ice” helps their confidence while perpetrating crimes.
Drugs have contributed to the increase in crime in Nigeria, as one out of three arrested criminals in recent times had injected, swallowed, or had a drug in his possession.
HIV Proliferation and other STDs
Major psychoactive drugs such as “ICE ” and many others have the tendency to increase the sexual urge of users.
This has pushed many into having sex with multiple partners. Report has it that two out of eight teens living with HIV or many STDs are into drugs.
This is possible because of their nonawareness and disassociation from society, as a result of their drug overdose.
Mental illness
Many cases of mental illnesses are caused by these drugs, and many youths are suffering from this disorder in Nigeria.
Rehabilitation centers across Nigeria are treating youths after they have gone overboard in their drug abuse adventures.
Young people are being kept in chains and cuffs at psychiatric hospitals after drug overuse, and has led to immense mental illness.
Deaths
These drugs are powerful and can attack the heart and nervous system of their users almost immediately after taking them.
Oftentimes, many Nigerian youths have been found dead in their rooms, parties, or roadside after imbibing too much of this illicit product. Some have died in auto accidents while others commit suicide.
Illicit drug usage has been a global pandemic, even in developed countries youths are faced with this unpleasant situation.
In the same vein, Nigeria is facing a new level of drug abuse. The substance crystal methamphetamine also known as “ice”, “shabu”, “crystal”, “glass”, and “shard” is on the streets.
Users of this “ice” are likely to experience weight loss, sleeplessness, reduced appetite, aggressiveness, and violent behavior which would continuously affect their personal lives and relationships.
