By Blessing Bature
The Federal Government has expressed concern over the increasing rate of substance abuse in Nigeria, urging citizens to desist from the habit and seek help when needed.
Dr Jimoh olawale salaudeen, director incharge of drugs demand reduction of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare who represented the Minister of Health assured of government commitment to providing support and assistance to those struggling with substance abuse, and is working to provide resources to help Nigerians overcome addiction.
Dr salaudeen made this disclosure at the national technical working group meeting and flag-off ceremony of medication assisted treatment in Nigeria that the issue of substance use in Nigeria has reached alarming proportions, with a staggering 14.3 million Nigerians using one substance or another, including cocaine and heroin.
According to him, “This stark reality was revealed in a 2018 survey conducted with the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which aimed to address the denial about the existence of drug use in Nigeria.
“In response to this crisis, the Nigerian government has taken decisive action. The President signed the National Drug Control Master Plan, marking a significant commitment to addressing the problem. The Minister of Health has also established a drug demand reduction program, which includes harm reduction strategies”.
He informed, “Substance use can take many forms, including injection, which poses the greatest risk due to the potential for needle trauma, overdose, and even death. Opioid addiction is particularly challenging, as withdrawal symptoms can lead to cravings, unconsciousness, and death”.
Dr Salaudeen said, to combat this crisis, Nigeria has adopted a harm reduction approach, which includes a needle syringe program, the use of naloxone to revive overdose victims, and medication-assisted treatment. This treatment involves providing individuals with medication to manage opioid addiction, alongside psychosocial support and counseling.
He explained that a pilot program has been launched in Gumbi state, with plans to scale up to other states. The government has also developed a standard operating procedure for medication-assisted treatment and is working closely with security agencies to ensure the success of the program.
He encouraged Nigerians to seek help and support to overcome substance abuse, and to take advantage of the government’s efforts to provide assistance and resources to combat this issue.
He hinted that the Nigerian government is urging individuals struggling with opioid addiction to seek help at designated centers. With the support of partners, medication is now available, and the government is committed to providing psychosocial support and counseling to empower individuals to overcome addiction and become productive members of society.
Speaking, Gombe State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru assured of the state readiness to implement the program, acknowledging the rising incidence of substance abuse across all demographics.
He applauded Federal Government for its efforts to minimize substance abuse in Gombe State while appreciating the government’s decision to select Gombe State as one of the pilot states to launch its initiative to combat substance abuse.
He said he is confident that with the government’s support, we can effectively tackle this issue and reduce its prevalence in the state.
