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INNOSC Theranostics and
Pharmacological Sciences Opioid use among Nigerian students

Western influence. 49,50 This is further exacerbated by the Prevention and awareness programs have been conducted
neglect of rural communities and the activities of untrained in Nigerian schools to educate students about the
individuals in the rural health sector. Although the dangers of opioid use. These programs typically involve
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traditional values of community, family, and spirituality presentations, workshops, and counseling sessions led
continue to shape societal norms, increasing access to by health professionals or community organizations. In
technology and exposure to Western media may contribute schools, counseling services may be available to students
to changing perceptions of substance use among members struggling with substance misuse. However, the availability
of the population. In addition, the rural-urban differences and quality of these services can vary depending on school
in attitudes toward modern technological gadgets, such as resources. Community-level interventions are crucial
the global system of mobile communication, may play a for effectively addressing OUD and reaching a broader
role in shaping attitudes toward opioid use among Nigerian audience in understanding the effect of OUD. Engaging
students. The persistent stigma surrounding addiction is Nigerian community leaders, religious institutions, and
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one of the challenges in addressing drug use in Nigeria. local organizations in awareness campaigns and support
Ebigbo and Molobe highlighted the unique forms of cultural networks can help reduce stigma and promote the
taboo and stigma faced by female African drug misusers, understanding of addiction as a treatable health condition.
which can restrict their access to treatment. 52,53 Individuals
and families affected by drug addiction may hesitate to seek 9.3. Actions at the community level
help due to fear of judgment or discrimination. However, In Nigeria, treatment options for OUD include counseling,
growing initiatives and advocacy efforts are aimed at detoxification, and rehabilitation programs. Behavioral
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reducing stigma and promoting open discussions about therapies and medication-assisted treatment may be
addiction and mental health in the country. available in specialized addiction treatment centers.
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However, access to these services can be limited, particularly
9. Strategies to curb opioid use among in the rural areas of Nigeria. Rehabilitation residences
Nigerian students in Nigeria play a crucial role in supporting individuals
9.1. Actions by the government and international recovering from OUD. Recovery residences may increase
bodies an individual’s recovery capital, facilitate social support
for abstinence, and foster a sense of community among
Curbing opioid use in Nigeria requires a multifaceted residents. Although the behavior of these residents varies,
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approach involving government intervention, community ideally, they should provide comprehensive care, including
engagement, education, accessible treatment options, and a medical supervision, counseling, and vocational training
concerted effort across all social classes. At the government to help individuals reintegrate into society. Challenges
level, laws and regulations related to opioid use in Nigeria such as funding constraints and lack of trained personnel
have been enforced. The National Agency for Food and Drug can affect the quality of care provided.
Administration and Control regulates the distribution and
use of opioids and other controlled substances in Nigeria. Access to help for OUD varies across different
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Nigeria’s drug laws and regulations are overseen by the settings in Nigeria. Accessing treatment for OUD may
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The be more challenging in rural or underserved areas
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NDLEA is tasked with reducing the unlawful manufacture, because of limited healthcare infrastructure. To ensure
import, export, sale, and trafficking of psychoactive the effectiveness of efforts to reduce opioid use, ongoing
substances. However, enforcing these regulations and monitoring and evaluation of prevention programs and
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61,62
combating illicit drug trafficking remains a challenge. treatment services are essential. This includes collecting
data on substance misuse trends, assessing the effect of
9.2. Actions by schools and institutions interventions, and identifying areas for improvement
Some non-profit organizations in Nigeria have been or expansion of services. Strategies to curb opioid use in
proactive in addressing drug misuse, particularly among Nigeria require a coordinated effort involving government
adolescents, by implementing prevention programs policies, community engagement, accessible treatment
in schools and communities to raise awareness about options, awareness programs, and ongoing education.
opioid misuse. These programs often target schools and 10. Global comparisons of opioid use in
communities to educate individuals about the risks of other countries
OUD and provide information on where to seek help.
School-based substance use interventions have proven The global landscape of opioid use is diverse, with
effective when implemented using various strategies. significant differences in consumption patterns, regulatory
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Volume 8 Issue 1 (2025) 52 doi: 10.36922/itps.3894