Drug-related harms among young adults in Nigeria: Implications for intervention

Abstract

ABSTRACT Recreational cannabis use and taking codeine, tramadol, Rohypnol, and other pharmaceuticals for nonmedical purposes are some of the popular drug use practices in contemporary Nigeria. Yet, little is known on how the use of these drugs contributes to drug-related harms in the country. Using semi-structured interviews, this study explored the perceptions and actual experiences of drug-related harms among 23 young adults (23–29 years), who use cannabis, codeine, crystal meth, Rohypnol, and tramadol in a city located in Anambra State. The data were analyzed thematically using NVivo 12 software. The findings show that participants were highly aware of the adverse effects of drug use. They also shared how they and their acquaintances and friends had suffered substance-induced headaches, eating disorders, and slow psychomotor patterns. Cannabis-facilitated rapes and sexual violence against women were widespread and tramadol-induced seizures, convulsions, and deaths were also reported. Other personal substance-related problems the participants reported include persistent cough, skin rashes, hives, and substance-induced aggression/violence, sleeping disorders, hallucinations, and aging skin. These findings reveal the need to develop tailored interventions and policies that support harm reduction in Nigeria.