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INNOSC Theranostics and
Pharmacological Sciences Opioid use among Nigerian students

used as a non-prescription opioid. A study based on addiction, and societal problems, its prevalence and effect
government schools in Lagos, Nigeria, with students aged cannot be overlooked. A concerted effort has been made
10 – 15 years, reported that opioids had a 9% lifetime drug to inform children in Nigerian schools about the risks
prevalence rate. Opioid use was found to be associated associated with substance misuse. Through awareness
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with sex, education, school management, and economic campaigns and counseling sessions, school administrators
status. Most Nigerian students reported being introduced and teachers strongly emphasize prevention, highlighting
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to opioids by friends, with only a few being introduced the detrimental effects on the academic performance and
by family or relatives. Students also reported consuming general well-being of students. 44
opioids at parties because of peer pressure and curiosity. The digital media in Nigeria typically portrays drug
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Most students believed that counseling could help address use negatively, exposing its destructive consequences
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this situation (Figure 1). through news reports, public service announcements,
8. Cultural influences on opioid use in and entertainment content. Parents and teachers take
Nigeria on vital roles in discouraging drug use among Nigerian
youth, emphasizing the importance of making healthy
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and choices and seeking help if needed. Despite these efforts,
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Crime, approximately 4.6 million Nigerians, constituting societal pressures and peer influences may glamorize drug
4.7% of the population, have used opioids for non-medical use, particularly among youths. Research consistently
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purposes. Tramadol and codeine are the most commonly shows that social and peer influences play crucial roles
misused opioids. Tramadol has become a widespread in the initiation and continuation of drug use among
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concern because of its availability and affordability. In adolescents. Some individuals may feel compelled to
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Nigeria, attitudes and values surrounding drug use, experiment with drugs to fit in with certain social circles.
particularly opioid use, are significantly influenced by However, those who choose not to use drugs often rely on
the complex interactions among cultural norms, societal strong family values and educational messages that promote
expectations, and modern influences. Cultural practices resilience and self-worth. The influence of modernity,
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and belief systems, which socially integrate alcohol including urbanization and exposure to global trends, has
and drug use, often shape these attitudes. Although affected attitudes toward drug use in Nigeria. Klein and Fiki
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drug use is generally considered taboo in Nigeria and is highlighted that the spread of drug use, including opioids,
discouraged because of its association with health risks, among Nigerian youth is due to increased exposure to

Figure 1. Percentage of Nigeria’s Opioid Users in each of the six geographical zones. Map data made available from ©OpenStreetMap under the Open
Database License.

Volume 8 Issue 1 (2025) 51 doi: 10.36922/itps.3894