We can look to the NDLA, NAFDAC and other regulatory agencies for guidance but the church must also take action to combat the menace of drug abuse. There is no hope if the church does not act, for only God can save us. The church has been dormant for far too long. We wrongly believe the church is distinct from us. The Bible says we are in this world but not of it. It’s encouraging to see the church finally waking up to the reality of substance abuse

Don’t think that drug addicts reside in car parks. They live in our homes. Don’t believe other people’s children committed the heinous crimes you have heard about; they could have been committed by our own. Today’s drug dens have men and women who are our husbands and wives, as well as youngsters who are our children.

The book of Matthew 13: 25 says, “But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way” [KJV]. In essence, while men were outside doing all manner of ills, the church slept, believing that the menace only affected the outside world. I can tell you for certain that people use drugs even in the church. Hosea 4: 6a says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” [NKJV].  The problem here however is a lack of application rather than a lack of knowledge. The knowledge is there but do you know what we do to ourselves: we block the knowledge with spirituality. Spirituality will not change what’s happening; it can only help you face it.

I’d like you to ponder on the following questions: How much do you know about drug abuse? Unfortunately, the majority of us are unaware of this menace because we believe it only affects others. But that is not always the case; sometimes it happens right in front of our eyes and we are unaware. The second question is: do you think that Nigeria has a drug problem? Yes, we do and it’s huge. You can assume, “Oh, my child isn’t a drug user; this doesn’t bother me.” But here’s why you should be concerned: Did you know that your domestic staff or family members might be drug users? These are the folks who introduce drugs to our children. These substances can now be acquired without even leaving the house. This is a moment to be cautious. Let us quit sleeping on this menace and wake up as Christ’s soldiers. Finally, do you believe your family is protected from the dangers of drug and substance abuse? No! Your children attend the same school as others who take these drugs. Your youngster may be exposed to users of these illegal substances in some way. This is why we cannot afford to be careless, but must instead be vigilant.

What is Drug?

A Drug is a chemical substance which when taken affects the body and mind. It changes how the body functions and often times the behaviour of the user. It is the improper or illegal use of drug, taken in excessive doses without any medical reason that amounts to abuse. 

Drug Abuse Occurs:

• When the use of drug is not medically necessary [prescription drugs]
• When its use is legally prohibited [illicit drugs]
• When it is excessively used [alcohol/ cigarettes]

These substances have been reformed in such a way that they are no longer easily detectable. According to research, the issue is not the amount you take but the fact that you take it at all. You cannot be a Christian and have a bar in your home. Who utilizes the bar, one would wonder? It will also expose your children to the dangers of alcoholism.

What is Addiction?

• Drug Addiction is a progressive, primary, chronic disease characterized by compulsive behavior such as loss of control over drug induced behavior, how much drug to use, when to use it and inability to stop using it.
• It simply means that the individual can no longer function without these drugs.
• It’s a road to nowhere.

We’ve struggled with dealing with addicts over the years because we try to approach it as a criminal act and stigmatize and discriminate against victims. We shall lose the battle if we do not address addiction as it is. The church must adequately combat this threat. This morning’s awareness must not be limited to just this morning. It must be something we repeat frequently from the altar so that people are aware. We can lessen demand by raising people’s awareness in general. It is not a lack of will or poverty that drives people to use drugs; this is not the case. Anyone can use drugs without realizing it, so be aware of your surroundings.

Some Established Facts:

The UNODC performed a survey on the prevalence of drug usage in 2017. They released the research in 2018 and the findings are terrifying. They discovered:

• Global prevalence rate of drug use – 5.6%
• Nigeria 14.4%
• This translates to 14.3 million people between the ages of 15 and 64.
• Also 1 in 4 people who abuse drugs in Nigeria is a female
• Drug use was most common among those between the ages of 25 and 39.
• Drug use prevalence rate was highest in the South–West geo–political zone of Nigeria.

Geo – Political Zones breakdown:

• South – West   –  22.4%
• South – South  – 16.6%
• South – East    –  13.8%
• North – East    –  13.6%
• North – West   –  12.0%
• North – Central  – 10.0%
• Lagos State has the highest rate of use in Nigeria – 33%
• Ekiti – 11.9%

Types of Commonly Used Drugs:

This has been classified into 4 categories:

1. Socially acceptable drugs – Alcohol and Cigarettes. Cigarettes contain stimulants and substance that can cause cancer.
2. Illicit drugs – Marijuana, Skunk, Heroin, Cocaine, etc.
3. Prescription drugs – Codeine – containing cough syrups, Tramadol, Rohypnol, Amphetamines Benzodiazepines: The reason we should be concerned about these prescription drugs is that we use them in hospitals in doses of no more than 50mg, while the ones sold on the streets start at 225 mg and one of the adverse effects is epileptic feats. Young individuals, to improve their sexual performance, use it in schools. These medications can also be slipped into a woman’s drink before she is raped, etc. Miscellaneous – inhalants like – Methylated spirit, Nail polish remover, Pit latrine, Glue, Petrol
4. Naturally occurring substances – Zakami seed,

Why do People do Drugs? 

We need to know why people do drugs because in knowing would help us to understand and approve our dealing with it:

• Experimentation
• Dysfunctional family situation
• Escape from “reality”
• Availability and affordability
• To fit in with friends or certain groups
• Ignorance and frustration

Some Telltale Signs of Drug Abuse:

• Red and rheumy eyes
• Use of strong menthol sweets or perfumes
• Poor school performance and truancy
• Seeking to be alone
• Frequent change of friends
• Loss of interest in surroundings or activities
• Looking unkempt
• Wearing dark glasses even within the house

Negative Implications of Drug Abuse:

• Damage to the Brain, Lungs and Liver
• Suppression of Desire for Food and Sleep
• High Risk of Contracting infections like Hepatitis, HIV/ AIDS & other Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Mood Swings. Anxiety/ Depression
• Aggressiveness/Violence and Destructive Tendencies
• Memory Loss/Psychosis and Paranoia/ Impaired Judgment
• Political Thuggery
• Hired killings/Cultism/Theft and Crime

What Can the Church Do? The church must:

• Make drugs and other social problems, altar issues
• Set apart a special worship day for open discussions of these social issues
• Proper monitoring/guidance of the Youth Church
• Encourage the youth to set their own agenda in their activities
• Set up a Counseling Unit: These must be people or someone they can relate with who has empathy, compassion and who can keep confidence.
• Monitor and manage various vendors selling their wares around the church
• Set up a rehabilitation center or support an existing facility
• Actively discourage stigma and discrimination against victims and families: The greatest stigma unfortunately is in the church. Why should this happen? It is the church that can help the society to deal with stigma and discrimination.
• Offer support to victims and families.

CONCLUSION:                                                                      

There is no doubt anymore that our country has a huge drug problem. The time for denial is past and neither is this the time to treat this growing scourge with our usual benign neglect. THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW. Every hand must be on deck to confront this creeping monster trying to swallow and destroy our children and our youths. We can TOGETHER deal with this scourge as a people – either as individuals or in various groups or as a nation.

• DOKUN ADEDEJI is the Director General, Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry