Here is How Peer Education Can Help Victims Shun Drug Abuse and Trafficking

Drug abuse is a pandemic in the Nigerian system that has existed for decades. Despite laws and guidelines in place to eradicate the use of these harmful substances, the rate at which young Nigerians abuse drugs is still rising at an alarming rate.

The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) said, “Findings from the National Drug Use Survey (2018) conducted by the UNODC revealed that 14.4% or 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15 – 64 years had used a psychoactive substance in the past year for non-medical purposes.”

Young adults are generally very vulnerable, and their choice of content consumption can largely shape how they deal with issues. Most times, they deal with problems based on the suggestions of pop culture influencers and role models.

From musical artistes to general opinion leaders in Nigerian society, many people are normalizing the use of drugs to endure pain or go through a dark phase in their lives. Recently, Grammy-winning artiste, Burna Boy released a single, ‘Last Last,’ which had a line in its lyrics suggesting that people going through a heartbreak should get over it with ‘Igbo and shayo’ (weed and alcohol). A young person could innocently listen to such songs, internalise the message, and conclude that managing life problems under the influence of a substance is not a terrible idea. Although none of these artistes has asked to be put on a pedestal, it simply comes with fame. 

Apart from the influence of pop culture, Nigeria also has a value system problem. With every generation passing, the value system seems to be on a downward spiral just like the economy. These factors: poverty, unemployment, economic degradation, lack of a proper value system, and peer/social pressure, among other issues contribute to the rising cases of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the country.

After discovering that an acquaintance, friend, or family member is dealing with substance abuse or drug trafficking, peer education is one effective way to help them quit the use or dependence on drugs.

Most people begin to sell or use drugs as a result of peer influence; they are lured by friends who are already substance abusers and that becomes a lifestyle for them. Peer education has proven effective since peers are more likely to speak the same language, and have similar aspirations as well as fears. They tend to understand each other better and can adequately provide information and solutions while impacting their opinions on others. 

MTN Foundation’s Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) is also embracing peer education to sensitize and reduce the rate of first-time substance abusers between the age of 10 – 25. By organising rounds of quiz competitions for secondary school students across Nigeria, participants become ASAP ambassadors who are expected to uphold the initiative’s values and communicate the message to their peers in school, at home, and in their communities.

Studies show that most drug addiction cases begin from a young age. This implies that people need sensitization about what drug abuse is and its consequences as early as possible. 

It’s not new to see people intimidate, guilt-trip, and castigate drug abusers; however, that is hardly ever effective. Instead, speaking kindly and making them realise why drug use is harmful has proven helpful. Aside from sensitisation through peer education, one could look into professional treatment, counselling, and drug rehabilitation services for long-time drug users.