BLESSING OTOBONG-GABRIEL
Federal government has expressed concern over the increasing rate of substance abuse, urging citizens to desist from the habit and seek help when needed. Director incharge of Drugs Demand Reduction, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Jimoh Salaudeen, assured of government’s commitment to provide 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, adding that the issue of substance use in Nigeria has reached alarming proportion, 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 address the problem. The minister of health has also established a drug demand reduction programme, which includes harm reduction strategies”.
He informed that, “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 programme, 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 programme has been launched in Gumbi State, with plans to scale up to other states. 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 programme.
He encouraged Nigerians to seek help and support to overcome substance abuse, and to take advantage of 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 government is committed to providing psychosocial support and counseling to empower individuals to overcome addiction and become productive members of the society.
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