From Escape to Entrapment

The stress of school, the pressure at home, the weight of being the "hope of the family"—they all melted away in that syrupy haze. The first time Rufus a.k.a Chimney tried codeine; he was 17. It was a dare. A few friends, a little bottle, and the guarantee that "you’ll feel like a king." – and for a while, he actually did.

What Rufus did not realize was that in chasing relief, he was opening the door to something far darker.

At first, it was only on the weekends. Then, he included some school nights. Then, some mornings. He started skipping classes. He lost weight. His jokes stopped being funny. The sparkle in his eyes dimmed.

His parents, friends, colleagues, thought it was just stress, while Baby Oku assumed bobo was giving aura for aura with his buddies. By the time they discovered the truth, Chimney was hooked—not just on codeine, but on the numbness other substances gave him. The feeling of not needing to feel anything was such a thrilling escape.

And this is not just Rufus’s story.

It is the story of millions of young Nigerians within the age group of 15 -19, trapped in the silent epidemic of drug abuse.

A society under strain, the impact of drugs and substance abuse does not end with only the individual, but it spreads like fire, beyond one, wherever it is able to find ignition. Families break under the weight of confusion & helplessness, there is often a sporadic rise in violence and insecurity within communities, and loss of young talented minds before they are able to blossom. A society were talking about emotions is still considered weakness, drugs and other illicit substances become an easy outlet.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 2018 Nigeria Drug Use Survey showed 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15–64 (approximately 14.3 million people) have used drugs at least once in their lifetime with Cannabis being the most abused drug in Nigeria, with over 10.6 million users. In line with these findings, a snap poll conducted by NOIPolls highlights a prevalence of drugs and substance abuse in Nigeria. Similarly, socio economic factors cited as contributing factors to drugs and substance abuse in Nigeria include Unemployment as a leading cause (32 percent), Peer pressure (26 percent), Parental neglect (20 percent), Frustration (15 percent), Poverty (15 percent) amongst others.

Cannabis (with over 10.6 million users), Prescription drugs, Codeine, Tramadol, and Alcohol all top the list of the most abused drugs in Nigeria.

When millions of people are struggling with drugs, it is not just a national emergency but a threat to the country’s development. While often treated as a personal or moral failing, the widespread misuse of drugs has far-reaching consequences on a country's economy, workforce, health system, education sector, public safety, and governance ranging from: Destruction of Human Capital, to Economic Burden, Public Health Crisis & Weakening of National Institutions.

Every young person lost to addiction is a brick removed from the foundation of progress. What can be done? Strengthen prevention and education, create more rehab and mental health centers, Support job creation and youth empowerment, Ensure strict but fair enforcement of drug laws and Partner with Civil Society, Religious Institutions, and Traditional leaders.  To build stronger nations, we must build stronger people—free from addiction, empowered with purpose, and equipped to lead.

A Ray of Hope!

Rufus’s story could have ended in tragedy. But it didn’t. With the help of the community, rehabilitation programs, his journey back began.

Drug abuse is stealing our youth, our future, and our peace. But we are not powerless.

It starts with awareness. It continues with action. It ends with collective healing.

Because the real high – Is building a Nigeria where no one has to numb their pain to feel alive.