A call for comprehensive approaches to combat drug misuse and achieve a society free from drugs has been made by some health professionals.
Delivering their insights at the ‘Fly above the high conference’ in Abuja were experts including Dr. Kunle Adesina, Managing Director of Serenity Royale Hospital; Dr. Abubakar Salami; Dr. Sam Abah; Hajiya Salamatu Farouq Salamatu; and David Folaranmi.
The conference centered around the theme: ‘A multi-dimensional approach to creating a drug-free society.’
Dr. Adekunle Adesina, one of the guest speakers, characterized addiction as a chronic disorder marked by compulsive drug seeking and usage despite negative consequences.
Adesina emphasized, “Decades of evidence have shown that children of parents who engage in alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse are at higher risk of various emotional, behavioral, and cognitive issues in the future.
“Parental substance abuse disrupts normal child development, increasing the likelihood of emotional, physical, and mental health challenges for these children.”
Regarding achieving a drug-free society, Adesina highlighted, “Addiction impacts every family member, and thus treatment should not only target the individual with the addiction but also involve therapy and intervention for all family members.”
Discussing the ‘Role of family in drug demand reduction,’ Dr. Salamatu Yahaya stressed the importance of the family unit in reducing drug demand.
Yahaya stated, “Spouses, parents, siblings, and extended family members are crucial stakeholders who must collaborate to combat illicit drug sales and usage.”
In outlining a path forward, Yahaya expressed, “Manufacturers and distributors of illicit drugs are members of our society.
“All families should move beyond self-interest and actively participate in reducing drug demand by reporting individuals involved in the production, distribution, or consumption of illicit drugs to the appropriate authorities.”
In his presentation, Dr. Sam Abah mentioned, “With continued drug exposure, the brain can develop a tolerance to the substance, necessitating higher doses for desired effects.
“Prolonged drug use can result in physical dependence, leading to withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.
“Chronic drug use can disrupt the brain’s stress response systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
“Substances can alter the release of stress hormones like cortisol, heightening stress sensitivity and worsening anxiety or depression symptoms,” Abah added.