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INNOSC Theranostics and
Pharmacological Sciences Opioid use among Nigerian students

consuming behaviors, such as the “codeine diet,” reflects the drug, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same
broader cultural views that may minimize the dangers of analgesic effect. 25,31 This phenomenon can lead to a cycle
opioid misuse. 21,22 of increasing dosage and increased risk of adverse effects,
including overdose.
6. Side effects and adverse effects of opioid
Physical dependence is characterized by withdrawal
use symptoms when the drug dose is reduced or discontinued.
Although opioids are effective in managing pain, they are Symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to severe
associated with various side effects and adverse effects that physiological reactions, complicating opioid therapy
can significantly affect the quality of life of individuals, cessation. The psychological aspect of addiction, which
32
particularly among vulnerable populations such as students. includes compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite
Understanding these effects is crucial for developing harmful consequences, poses significant challenges for
preventive strategies against opioid misuse, particularly individuals, particularly students who may be under
among Nigerian students, who may have limited awareness stress. 31
of the potential dangers associated with opioid use. This Moreover, chronic opioid use has been linked to
section delves into the side effects and adverse effects of cognitive decline and mood disorders, further intensifying
opioid use, highlighting their implications for health and the challenges faced by students. Research indicates that
well-being. long-term opioid therapy can impair cognitive functions,

6.1. Common side effects of opioids leading to difficulties in concentration and memory, which
are critical for academic success. 29,33
Opioids have different side effects that can be classified
into common and severe categories. The most prevalent 6.3. Impact on the quality of life
side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation, sedation, The side and adverse effects of opioids can profoundly affect
and respiratory depression. Nausea and vomiting are an individual’s quality of life. For students, the combination
particularly common and affect a significant proportion of pain management and side effects of opioids can decline
of patients receiving opioid therapy. Studies have indicated academic performance and social interactions. The stigma
that these emetic effects can lead to the discontinuation of surrounding opioid use, particularly within cultural
opioid use, undermining pain management strategies. 24,25 contexts like Nigeria, may further isolate individuals who

Constipation is another prevalent side effect, often struggle with opioid-related issues. 34,35
referred to as opioid-induced constipation (OIC). OIC In addition, the financial burden associated with side
affects 15 – 70% of patients on opioid therapy depending on effect management – such as the need for laxatives to
the specific opioid and dosage. This condition can lead to counteract constipation or additional medical consultations
26
significant discomfort and may require additional medical – can strain the resources of students and their families. 27,36
interventions, further complicating pain management. This economic effect can deter students from seeking help
27
The mechanisms behind OIC involve the inhibition of or adhering to prescribed therapies, perpetuating a cycle of
excitatory neural pathways in the gastrointestinal tract, misuse and adverse outcomes.
resulting in decreased colonic propulsion. 26
7. Prevalence of opioid use among Nigerian
Sedation is frequently observed, particularly during
the initial stages of opioid therapy or with increasing students
dose. This side effect can impair cognitive function and Several studies in Nigeria have provided substantial data
daily activities, posing risks for students who may already on opioid use among Nigerian students. For example, a
be dealing with academic pressures. 28,29 Furthermore, cross-sectional study from the University of Fort Hare and
respiratory depression is a severe side effect that can lead to Ondo State University in Nigeria showed that nearly one-
life-threatening situations, particularly in cases of overdose fourth of students (24.5%) had engaged in recreational
or when opioids are combined with other central nervous drug use and approximately 17.5% were still involved.
7
system depressants. 28,30 Another cross-sectional study from the University of
Ibadan, Nigeria, in 2018 reported that more than one-third
6.2. Long-term adverse effects
of the students (34.2%) had used opioids. A study from
6
The long-term use of opioids can lead to more serious Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, reported that approximately
adverse effects, including the development of tolerance, 40% of students aged 10 – 19 years were involved in drug
physical dependence, and addiction. Tolerance occurs use, where approximately 4% of the selected students had
when the body becomes accustomed to the presence of already used heroin. Heroin is an illicit opioid, mainly
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Volume 8 Issue 1 (2025) 50 doi: 10.36922/itps.3894