By Mary Agidi
“It started gradually and unconsciously. Let me say, from little things like going to game centres secondary school. You know, when you go to these game playstations in secondary school, they offer you a few things to drink, and you don’t even know what it is. Until I got into university and found myself in this space where I had to start taking substances just to keep myself together. And before I knew it, I became addicted and could not even finish my university education; I had to leave at a certain level.
“And from there, I found myself on the streets of Lagos, literally living by the roadside and sleeping, waking up daily. One day, I was so high that the church found me, and from there, I made my way to a rehabilitation center.”
Sharing his experience above is Mr. Ifedayo Oluwole, who is a survivor of drug addiction.
Adolescence: A vulnerable stage
Teenage years and adolescence are stages where children metamorphose into adulthood, between ages 11 to 19. It is a period of growth when children begin to develop physical features that indicate they are maturing. Female teenagers begin to develop breasts and reach puberty, while boys experience voice changes, grow beards and develop broader shoulders.
This is a delicate period in child development that, if not well-handled, could lead young adults astray due to youthful exuberance. This is also when they can be easily influenced—positively or negatively—just as it happened to Mr. Ifedayo.
Why Teenagers are more prone to addiction
According to the Positive Parenting Project, teenagers are more prone to addiction because “levels of the feel-good chemical dopamine are lower in the teenage brain. But when teens get something they want, their brains release more dopamine than an adult’s. This means their highs are higher and come from a lower base. That is a huge neurological pay-off when things feel good, which can drive teens to repeat feel-good behaviors, making them more vulnerable to addiction.
“This contributes to the increasing cases of drug use and addiction among teenagers. Once a teenager tries a substance, either consciously or unconsciously, the likelihood of repeating it is high.
From experience to advocacy
Reflecting on his unconscious journey into the world of drug addiction, Ifedayo, who is now committed to creating awareness about the dangers of drug abuse among teenagers, emphasised the importance of having access to the right information during adolescence, especially regarding dangerous lifestyles like drug use.
“It is about providing information and awareness for young people, letting them know the long-term effects of what they are doing. It is like telling a child, if you study medicine, you become a doctor and can earn a certain income. Similarly, if you tell someone about drug abuse, these are the effects.
“There is a prevalence of drug abuse in secondary schools, specifically private secondary schools, and we need to create awareness around this. These children need to see that there is more to life than drugs,” he said.
Commonly abused substances among teens
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “alcohol and tobacco are the two most common substances teens abuse. Marijuana is also commonly abused by teenagers.
“Younger adolescents are more likely to inhale substances such as household cleaners or glue. Older adolescents report more use of synthetic marijuana, commonly called K2 or Spice. Older teens also commonly abuse prescription medications, including opioids (Vicodin) and stimulants.”
Rising cases and disturbing statistics
Cases of drug abuse among teenagers in Nigeria are becoming more alarming. A report by Voice of Africa on drug use among teenagers in Kano, where victims were interviewed and confessed to using different substances to feel good, indicates that urgent action is needed to save young Nigerians from looming mental health crises than what we are already experiencing.
The last statistics showed that 14.3 million Nigerians are abusing illicit substances, translating to a 4.4% prevalence rate, almost three times the global average. “This also covers those between the ages of 15 and 64,” says the Public Relations Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.
According to him, by 2030, there is a projection of a possible 11% rise in global drug use, with Africa likely to experience a 40% rise.
“And when you talk about Africa, we are talking about Nigeria because of our population. That is why this issue must be dealt with decisively, not just by government agencies alone, but as a collective effort starting from the home, religious bodies, traditional institutions, and across all strata. Everyone must be involved,” he stated.
Mental health implications and government response
Sometime in 2025, the Chief Medical Director of Ondo State Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Dr. Sunday Sajo, confirmed the influx of mentally ill patients into the hospital, most of whom were victims of substance abuse.
In response to this growing problem, the Ondo State government launched a school campaign against drug abuse.
Why Teens Experiment with Drugs
Meanwhile, the National Institute on Drug Abuse identified several reasons why teens and adolescents experiment with drugs and alcohol. They include:
To fit in (peer pressure, social acceptance)
To feel good (activate pleasure pathways in the brain)
To feel better (relieve stress, mental health issues, physical pain)
To do better (enhance athletic or academic performance)
To experiment (seek thrills and new experiences)
Other reasons include a history of traumatic events, low self-esteem, social rejection, and ADHD.
Regional trends and expert insights
In his contribution, Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Practitioner, Mr. David Folaranmi, described drug abuse as one of the major issues affecting Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with the South-West having the highest prevalence in the country, accounting for 22.4% or about 4,382,000 users.
To curb this alarming trend, he highlighted some preventive measures that need urgent amplification:
“Public education and awareness campaigns are crucial… Schools should be a focal point… Programs focused on mental health awareness, life skills development, and peer mentorship…”
Hidden patterns and warning signs
Sharing her experiences with teenagers brought to their center for counseling, the Executive Director of Kids & Teens Resource Centre, Mrs. Folasade Bamigboye, noted that most victims came from dysfunctional homes and were influenced by peer pressure.
She explained that these teenagers have modernized ways of consuming illicit substances, making detection difficult.
However, there are noticeable warning signs, which include changed relationships with friends and family; loss of interest in hobbies; poor attendance at school or work; secretive behavior; and changes in hygiene and appearance; fluctuating energy levels.
The way forward: prevention and collective action
In conclusion, a teen’s environment plays a pivotal role in their risk for drug abuse. Teens with easy access to drugs and alcohol are at greater risk of addiction.
Therefore, greater accessibility to drugs and alcohol poses a severe threat to teen drug abuse. Education for teens and parents is essential, and open communication between them, along with safe medication storage and disposal, can save children’s lives.