Signs that your teen may be abusing drugs

For many Nigerian parents, the idea that teenagers might sniff, smoke or inject illegal substances seems far-fetched. Yet illicit drugs and psychotropic substances have become accessible in some secondary schools across the country’s major cities and towns.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control have stepped up efforts against illicit substances, contaminated medicines and restricted products that target or reach teenagers. The NDLEA has warned that cartels are mixing drugs into everyday items such as sweets, candies, chocolates, biscuits and gummies. Their colourful packaging makes them attractive to children and easy to hide in school bags or pockets.

Substance abuse among Nigerian teenagers has become a severe national crisis. Studies cited in the article indicate that nearly 45.7 per cent of adolescent pupils have experimented with or abused mind-altering substances. Cannabis remains widely available through dealers and has become socially normalised among some youths. Tramadol, codeine-based cough syrups, methamphetamine, alcohol, cigarettes and volatile inhalants such as glue are also misused.

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If the changes persist or there is reason to suspect substance use, professional help should be sought early. Early intervention can prevent experimentation or misuse from becoming a much more serious problem.

Drug counsellors identify peer pressure as a major factor. Teenagers may experiment to fit in or imitate status symbols at school, while some illicit substances now cost as little as N500 to N1,000. Many parents remain unaware of what their children are smoking or ingesting.

David Folaranmi, a substance-use prevention, treatment and recovery practitioner, advises parents to watch for persistent changes, choose a calm moment to talk, ask questions and listen without immediate judgment. He also cautions that mood swings, secrecy and behavioural changes can be normal during adolescence. If warning signs continue or substance use is suspected, he says families should seek professional help early.

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Parents should be careful not to mistake every change in a teenager for drug use. Adolescence naturally comes with mood swings, secrecy and changes in behaviour.