DRUG ABUSE AND HEALTH IMPLICATION FOR THE NIGERIAN REDERATIN OF CATHOLIC STUDENTS (SECONDARY SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY) IN MAIDUGURI DIOCESE “FOR LENT SEASON”

Abstract

   Drug abuse is a global health and social problem with conditions and problems that vary locally. The use of psychoactive substances among adolescents and young adults has become a subject of public concern worldwide. Majority of the Nigerian adolescents both the secondary and tertiary students ignorantly depend on one form of drug or the other for their various daily activities–social, educational, political, moral etc. Such drugs include: Tobacco, Indian hemp, cocaine, morphine, Heroine, Alcohol, ephedrine, Madras, Caffeine, Glue, Barbiturates, and Amphetamines. Drug abuse among youth’s and adolescents is a matter of concern to all Nigerians especially the society, government, school heads, religious leaders, groups and other NGOs. This menace has led to increase in violence and crimes, increase in Hepatitis B and C virus, increase in HIV/AIDS diseases. Government has tried in Nigeria to curtail, eradicate or discourage the use, sale, trafficking and recycling of illegal drugs by promulgating various decrees against such drug use. The major treatment/rehabilitation methods in use in Nigeria, includes;  Non-Governmental Based Treatment/Rehabilitation, Community Based Treatment and rehabilitation,  Hospital based Treatment and Rehabilitation, Religious/Faith Based Treatment / Rehabilitation. The earlier the society accepts its responsibility, the better future for our future generation.