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 allur...