CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Since the early times, herbs, leaves and plants have been use to heal
and control diseases. The use of drugs in itself does not constitute any
danger, because drugs correctly administered have been a blessing.
Falco (1988) as cited by Sambo (2008) viewed that “chronic use of
substances can cause serious, sometimes irreversible damage to
adolescent’s physical and psychological development. The use of drugs
could be beneficial or harmful depending on the mode of use.
A drug refers to a substance that could bring about a change in the
biological function through its chemical actions (Okoye, 2001). It is also
considered as a substance that modifies perceptions, cognition, mood,
behaviour and general body functions (Balogun, 2006). They could thus,
be considered as chemical modifiers of the living tissues that could
bring about physiological and behavioural changes (Nnachi, 2007). Drug
abuse is a major public health problem all over the world (UNODC)
(2005). The use and abuse of drugs by adolescents have become one of
the most disturbing health related
Phenomena in Nigeria and other parts of the world (NDLEA;
1997).Several school going adolescents experience mental health
programme, either temporarily or for a long period of time. Some
become insane, maladjusted to school situations and eventually drop
out of school.
According to Fawa (2003), “Drug is defined as any substance, which is
used for treatment or prevention of a disease in man and animals. Drug
alters the body functions either positively or otherwise depending on
the body composition of the user, the type of drug used, the amount
used and whether used singly or with other drugs at the same time”.
NAFDAC (2000) as cited by Haladu(2003) explained the term drug abuse
as excessive and persistent self-administration of a drug without regard
to the medically or culturally accepted patterns. It could also be viewed
as the use of a drug to the extent that it interferes with the health and
social function of an individual. World Book Encyclopedia (2004)
defined drug abuse as the
Non-medical use of a drug that interferes with a healthy and productive
life Manbe (2008) defined drug abuse as the excessive, maladaptive
oraddictive use of drugs for non-medical purpose.
Abdulahi (2009) viewed drug abuse as the use of drugs to the extent
that interferes with the health and social function of an individual. In
essence, drug abuse may be defined as the arbitrary overdependence
or mis-use of one particular drug with or without a prior medical
diagnosis from qualified health practitioners. It can also be viewed as
the unlawful overdose in the use of drug(s). Odejide (2000) warned that
drug abusers who exhibit symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression,
behaviour changes, fatigue and loss or increase in appetite should be
treated by medical experts and counsellors to save them from deadly
diseases.
Amunonye (2001) defines drug as a substance which by its
chemical nature has an effect upon the body or the higher nervous
system (the mind). Therefore, many substances not usually thought of
as drugs covered by this definition include caffine, nicotine, alcohol,
household chemicals and pollutants. It is important to note that drug
abuse is not contained simply to the abuse of dangerous drugs like
narcotics-opium, heroine etc but also the abuse of panadol, codeine,
antibiotics, laxatives etc in other words every substance apart from food
is a drug and must therefore be regarded as being detrimental to health
if not taken under proper medical advice or used correctly accordingly
to medical prescription.
According Ebie and Pela (2000) opined that the Nigerian society
does not usually frown at the abuse of drugs which does not produce
over behavioural changes. The primitive people recognized the use of
tobacco, native brewed drinks, cocoa leave and kolanuts to provide
pleasurable relief of pain, fatigue and hunger but never realized they
were abusing drugs. Different drugs have different effects some, such as
cocaine or methamphetamine, may produce an intense “rush” and
initial feeli9ng of boundless energy. Others such as heroine,
benzodiazepines or the prescription oxycontin may produce excessive
feelings of relaxation and calm. What most drugs have in common
though is over stimulation of the pleasure centre of the brain. With
time the brain’s chemistry is actually altered to the point where not
having the drug becomes extremely uncomfortable and even painful.
This compelling urge to used, addition, becomes more and more
powerful, disrupting work, relationships and health.
Prescription drug abuse is just as dangerous as street drug use.
When used appropriately, prescription drugs in the opiate family, such
as vicodin (hydrocodone) and oxycontin, are often prescribed for
chronic pain or recovery from surgery. Benzodiazaphines, such as
valium or xanax are prescribed to treat anxiety. The problem arises
when these drugs begin to be used “off label”.

Furthermore, prescription of drugs provide an easy point to other

family members susceptible to abuse. Unpleasant youthful activities
are widespread in Nigeria and all over Africa to the extent that they
have been giving a lot of concern to the government and general public.
In primary schools, peer engage in organized crimes and disrupt normal
academic programmes. In secondary schools and most Nigerian
universities, the activities of secret cults are known to have been source
of threat to lives and property. Outside the campuses, a lot of ritual
killings are taking place. (Aluede 2000).
The impact of drug abuse among Nigerian youth’s bankrupt,
decadent and wasted generation and loss of our societal values and
ideals. The situation now appears to be such that no one can claim
ignorance of what is happening. We cannot suit on the fence and
criminally pretend on the menace of drug abuse among our young
people. Little wonder, then that the former UN Secretary General, Kofi
Annan once said “Drugs are tearing apart our societies, spawning crime,
spreading diseases such as aids and killing our youths and future”.