Suffocating in Smoke and Pills: The Silent Struggle of Nigerian Youth Against Drug Abuse.

 By 

Haruna Dahiru Alhassan (U17MM1032). 

Drug abuse in Nigeria has unleashed an insidious epidemic, sinking its fangs deep into the hearts of our youth. Each day, the pages of our lives are tainted with stories of illegal drug use, particularly among the ‘Gen-Z’ population. The consumption of these substances is often attributed to peer pressure, the environment, and the desperate need to escape the clutches of depression or emotional turmoil.

In the bustling streets of Nigeria today, one might feel alienated if they don’t partake in what is colloquially referred to as ‘Stunning’ or smoking. Many believe that these substances offer a fleeting sense of boundless joy or, worse, a temporary escape from the demons of emotional distress. Yet, unbeknownst to them, this choice gradually leads to addiction, an unrelenting vice that enslaves both body and mind. 

But it’s not just smoking that’s plaguing our youth. The abuse of pills and other drugs has also surged. The allure of pills often lies in the promise of quick relief from life’s challenges, but it’s a double-edged sword. These substances not only drag individuals into the abyss of addiction but also pose significant health risks.

The consequences of drug abuse extend far beyond the ephemeral pleasure they seem to provide. They poison the mind and contort behavior, often pushing individuals toward irrationality and madness. Emotional volatility induced by these substances can trigger aggressive reactions, even in response to minor provocations.


Amidst this darkness, the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) valiantly battles to stem the tide of drug abuse among our youth, safeguarding lives and Nigeria’s global image. Their relentless efforts stand as a beacon of hope in our nation’s fight against this epidemic. 



It is imperative that we emphasize the perils of drug abuse, as it erodes the very moral fabric that defines our society. We must prioritize building a safe and healthy future for our nation, steering clear of temporary euphoria derived from substances that are nothing but harbingers of destruction.

In a society yearning for a brighter tomorrow, let us not sacrifice our foundation for the transient thrill of ecstatic substances. Together, we can replace the suffocating smoke and pills of drug abuse with the fresh air of hope, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to a brighter, drug-free future for our youth.

Location: 810106, Samaru, Kaduna, Nigeria

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 29, 2023 at 7:08 AM

    Drug Abuse has become a menace in our society today. All hands must be on deck in other to save our youth from this deadly act.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Friends blogSeptember 29, 2023 at 8:19 AM

    Well written piece, but what ways can these be stopped emphasis on "effective"?

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousSeptember 29, 2023 at 8:24 AM

    Drug abuse has become a usual thing that most youth do to feel good not knowing their life is at risk. The FG should establish a system that can eradicate this particular drug called cannabis from distributing especially in the ghetto areas.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousSeptember 29, 2023 at 9:12 AM

    Very Distinct!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousSeptember 29, 2023 at 9:57 AM

    Drug about have become a tradition in or contemporary society today we pray those that are into this act should know it’s effect and stop it #stop doing drugs

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Unmasking the Mystery: The Journey of Living with Parkinson's Disease

Image
 By Emanuella Ikya Doom Parkinson’s disease is a condition where a part of your brain deteriorates, causing more severe symptoms over time. While this condition is best known for how it affects muscle control, balance and movement, it can also cause a wide range of other effects on your senses, thinking ability, mental health and more. PD gets worse over time. There is no cure, but therapies and medicines can reduce symptoms. Common symptoms include tremors, painful muscle contractions and difficulty speaking. Parkinson disease results in high rates of disability and the need for care. Many people with PD also develop dementia. The condition is more common in people over the age of 60 of which about 1% is affected. When the condition is seen in people before the age of 50, it is termed as Y oung-onset Parkinson’s disease. Men are affected more often than women. The cause of PD is unknown but people with a family history of the disease have a higher risk. Exposure to air pollution, pes
Read more

Nigerian Young Filmmakers Make Debut In Hollywood As They Produce A Film With Hollywood Legend Morgan Freeman

Image
 By James Jude Praise U17MM1175 Seven years ago, some youngsters from northern Nigeria decided to call themselves The Critics. They chose that name as an inside joke, a way to mock the original style of film making here in Nigeria. Today, that name has made it's way across the boarders of Nigeria as it remains as a self-imposed quality standard.  “Could we be The Critics without making good movies?” they ask themselves and smile. Their journey began in 2016 when group of teenagers, friends and relatives recognized the visual potential of their smartphones. Their initial goal was to have fun while creating something cool. The Critics initially gained Hollywood's attention with their futuristic short films. However, they have now shifted their focus to a more socially conscious cinema, highlighting the struggles of displaced populations and condemning the exploitation of African art while including sci-fi. In 2019, The Critics experienced a significant breakthrough. They be
Read more

Is Election Petition A Necessity?

Image
By Aliyu Mariam Maitasamu U17MM1128 In the last 5 general elections conducted in Nigeria, a total of 3959 petitions were filed by candidates or political parties challenging the outcome of the elections. Election petition is sui generis, that is in a class of its own. Unlike other court matters, it has a duration of 180 days as provided by the Electoral Act, 2022, mainly because it has to do with governance in Nigeria. Election petitions have become a common phenomenon in Nigerian cycle where candidates who participated in an election and are dissatisfied, go to the election tribunal to challenge the result of the election by presenting evidence that raises serious doubts about the integrity and credibility of the process. Petitioners hardly succeed because the standard of proof in election matters are usually strict and the burden of proof lies entirely on the petitioner. By the Electoral Act, 2022 the petitioner has 21 days to file their petition and within the 21 days they're
Read more