The Nigerian Youth and Drug Use; A Brief Insight

Youths are the future of any nation. As the older generation gradually phases out, the Nigerian youths will bear the mantle of taking the nation to the promised land.

This points to the fact that anything concerning the Nigerian youth shouldn't be treated with levity.

On this note, let's delve into a topic that's both pressing and close to the hearts of many; the journey of Nigerian youths amidst the shadows of drug use.

Picture this: You walk down the busy streets of Lagos or Abuja, and you can't help but notice the greatness and optimistic prospects twinkling like little stars in the eyes of young Nigerians.

Yet, behind those hopeful glimmers, there's a silent struggle and battle with drug use casting a long and worrisome darkness on their path to success.

Our vibrant and resilient youth are facing challenges that call for our understanding and compassion.

As of 2022, the statistics of youths involved in drug abuse was estimated to be 40%; 2 out of 5 Nigerian youths abused drugs. The future of 2 out of every 5 youths has been ruined by drug abuse.

As we unravel the layers of their experiences, we find stories of resilience, dreams deferred, and hopes shattered amidst the frantic search for a better life.

My heart gets broken all over again whenever I remember an incident that happened some years back in the Northeastern part of the country.

It was a Tuesday evening and I was returning from work. I saw a madman shouting at the top of his voice. His words sounded meaningless at first until I listened intently. I soon realized he was delivering a lecture on Heinsenberg's uncertainty principle in atomic physics.

Elphas was a bright young man who took drugs to escape depression and anxiety since he was a teenager.  His addiction didn't catch up with him until two months before the end of his master's degree. Sources also added that he was a graduate assistant before he became mad.

Imagine a bright star like Elphas losing his sanity to this menace. An addiction that has caused him to lose everything he's ever worked for.  Pathetic as it may sound, they're many more of these madmen in every nook and cranny of the country.

Many Nigerian youths abuse drugs to overcome depression and feel better temporarily. The percentage of youths who abuse substances out of exuberance is negligible compared to those who use them to boost productivity and manage stress.

The times are hard and the hustles are challenging. This situation sometimes leads our youth down a path they never intended to take. Substance abuse has become a coping mechanism for many of our youths.

Many claim they can't be facing these challenges with an 'ordinary eye'. Hence, they use these substances as a support system for a confidence boost. Sadly, drugs have become a haven and a fleeting escape from the harshness of reality for our youths.

It's important to approach this topic with empathy rather than judgment. The bitter truth is that many of our youth are grappling with numerous societal pressures.

Challenges like unemployment, the relentless pursuit of a better life, poverty, lack of opportunities, and the absence of a robust support system often contribute to the spiral that some find themselves in.

In the face of adversity, let's extend our hands rather than point fingers. What if, instead of casting judgments, we sought to understand the root causes of drug use?

It's crucial to acknowledge that these struggles are not a reflection of the weakness of our youths, but rather a response to a complex and challenging environment.

Now, more than ever, we need a collective effort to uplift our youth. From enlightenment programs to educational initiatives.

There's a multitude of ways NBYF  can assist in creating an enabling environment for Nigerian youths if you support us. Together, we can build a Nigeria where dreams can flourish without dependence on substances.

It's about fostering a sense of belonging, providing avenues for growth, and being there when it feels like the world is closing in. Our collective empathy and support could give other 'Elphas' a new beginning and a second chance at life.

At NBYF, We are driven by empathy for the betterment of the average Nigerian youth. It's a daunting task we cannot achieve alone.  We provide succor for these youth when you donate to this cause. The hope for our youth thrives on your support.

We anticipate your donations to the cause of Nigerian youths. Kindly click here to donate your token to help Nigerian youth now. God bless you as you do!

Empathy is the bridge that connects us all. By standing side by side with our Nigerian youths, we can collectively illuminate the dark path they navigate.

Let's champion a narrative that acknowledges their struggles while celebrating the resilience that defines the spirit of our young people.

So, the next time you see a young person facing the challenges of drug use, remember that behind every choice is a story, waiting to be heard and understood.

Your donations help our Nigerian youth break free from the chains of drug use. We anticipate your donations and support as we lead Nigeria into a promising future by rehabilitating one youth at a time.

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