Drug abuse among teenagers is a growing crisis, one that lurks in school corridors, social media feeds, and even family homes.
In a dimly lit room within the rehabilitation center in Lagos, 19-year-old Ayo (not his real name) sits on a plastic chair, nervously tapping his foot. Once a bright student with dreams of studying engineering abroad, Ayo’s life took a downward spiral after a friend introduced him to codeine-laced cough syrup at a party.
“At first, it was just for fun. We called it ‘the chill drink.’ But soon, I needed it every day just to feel normal. I didn’t realise when it became an addiction,” he said, his voice heavy with regret. Ayo’s story echoes those of many young people caught in the web of substance abuse, often unaware of the depth of their addiction until it’s too late.
Another patient, 22-year-old Sade, began using methamphetamine after feeling pressured to keep up with academic demands at university. “I just wanted to stay awake longer to study, but soon, I was using it just to get through the day,” she recalls. Her weight dropped drastically, and she became paranoid, suffering from severe hallucinations before her family intervened.
While many see substance abuse as an adult problem, a rising number of young people are falling into addiction, often driven by academic pressure, societal expectations, and personal struggles.
From codeine-laced cough syrup to tramadol, cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis, and synthetic opioids, these substances are rewriting the futures of promising youths, leading them down a path of despair, broken relationships, and even death.
The Role of Peer Pressure and Social Media
For 21-year-old Tade, peer pressure played a major role in his addiction. “In my university, using drugs was a way to fit in. Everyone around me was doing it, and if you didn’t, you were seen as weak or boring,” he shared. What started as an occasional escape from academic stress turned into a dependency that cost him a year of school and strained his relationship with his family.
Experts say that social media plays a significant role in glamorising drug use among young people. Viral trends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram often depict substance use as a harmless way to have fun without highlighting the devastating consequences.
The Science Behind the Addiction Crisis
Drug addiction among young people is not just a behavioural issue—it is a biological crisis affecting the brain and body in profound ways. Different substances alter brain chemistry, creating dependency and long-term damage that is difficult to reverse.
Opioids (Codeine, Tramadol, Fentanyl): These drugs bind to opioid receptors in the brain, flooding it with dopamine and producing intense euphoria. Over time, the brain reduces its natural dopamine production, making it harder for users to feel pleasure without the drug. This leads to increased doses and, eventually, full-blown addiction.
Stimulants (Cocaine, Methamphetamine): These substances hijack the central nervous system, drastically increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness. While these effects may feel exhilarating at first, prolonged use leads to paranoia, anxiety, aggression, and even psychotic episodes.
Cannabis: Though often considered a ‘soft drug,’ heavy cannabis use alters brain development in young people, interfering with memory formation by disrupting activity in the hippocampus. This can lead to long-term cognitive decline and emotional instability.
Synthetic Drugs (Ecstasy, LSD, Spice): These lab-created substances often contain unpredictable chemicals, making their effects highly dangerous. Many synthetic drugs overstimulate serotonin receptors, leading to extreme mood swings, hallucinations, and, in some cases, sudden organ failure.
A psychiatrist, Dr. Adebayo Ogunlade, explained the dangers of drug abuse among teenagers, identifying the vulnerability of the adolescent brain.
According to him, “The adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable because it is still developing. When young people abuse drugs, they alter neural pathways, increasing their risk of long-term mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and depression.”
The BBC’s investigative documentary on Nigeria’s codeine crisis exposed the extent of addiction among young people, revealing how some as young as 14 were consuming codeine-laced syrups daily. Many experienced severe withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, seizures, and depression. While the crackdown on over-the-counter codeine sales has reduced availability, many youths have switched to stronger opioids and synthetic drugs, which are even more dangerous.
Ogunlade believes that tackling this crisis requires more than just law enforcement.
“We need a cultural shift. More rehabilitation centers, school awareness programs, and stronger community support systems are essential in addressing the root causes of addiction,” he added.
In a similar vein, a community medicine associate, Dr. Akin Olaniyan, described drug abuse as a public health crisis rather than a moral failure. He explained that “We risk losing an entire generation to addiction-related illnesses, mental health disorders, and premature death.”
He emphasised the need for schools, families, and governments to collaborate in creating an environment that discourage drug use while providing support for those struggling with addiction.
He further stated that prevention through education, early intervention, and accessible treatment programs is critical.
Finding Hope: The Road to Recovery
Despite the grim reality, there is hope.
Many young people are now undergoing rehabilitation and finding new purpose in life. Rehab centers across the country are using therapy, skill-building activities, and family interventions to help young addicts regain control.
For Ayo, rehab has been a painful but necessary journey. “I’ve lost friends, opportunities, and time, but I’m determined to rebuild my life. I want to help others avoid the mistakes I made,” he says.
A clarity and mindset coach at BlueroomCare, Kemi Sope-Agbebi, emphasises that rehabilitation must go beyond detoxification. “We need to equip recovering addicts with life skills, job opportunities, and emotional support. Otherwise, they relapse.”
A Call for Urgent Action
The fight against youth drug abuse requires a collective effort. Parents need to have open conversations with their children. Schools must integrate drug education into their curriculum. Government policies should focus on both enforcement and rehabilitation. More funding should be directed toward research on addiction and mental health.
As Kemi puts it succinctly, “Addiction goes beyond a moral failing; it’s a disease that needs treatment. If we continue to ignore it, we risk losing an entire generation.”
Mubarak Abimbola
