Drug abuse in Nigeria

Drug and substance abuse have always been a Nigerian problem, but with the Nigerians under 30, the problem becomes more worrying by the year. Drug abuse has become of contemporary life, music and the now mainstream 'trap culture.' Synthetic marijuana is now treated as a Nigerian rite of passage; an object of 'cool'. From research it is seen that there are many social factors that have resulted in abuse of drugs. These include decline of family value systems, parents not playing their roles properly, children and youth therefore not receiving proper guidance, peer pressure, social media influence, poverty and unemployment.
The most commonly abused drugs in the country are tramadol and codeine. Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain and is the most abused medicine among addicts. It has no effects on the respiratory system but overdose causes arrhythmias, cramps, coma and death. In Nigeria, it is regulated as the 50 and 100mg dosage strengths but very high dosage forms of 200 and 225mg have infiltrated the market. There is also noticeable increase in smuggling of Tramadol capsules. Tramadol use disorder is associated with physical withdrawal symptoms and compulsive behaviour. Codeine can be obtained as an over-the-counter painkiller and cough medicines in Nigeria but consumers often become addicted. The risk of addiction is great, and in many countries including Nigeria, consumers are required to have prescriptions for all opioid-based medications. The misuse of codeine products contributes to severe health outcomes including liver damage, stomach ulceration, respiratory depression, coma and death. 
Other substances abused are Alcohol, Marijuana, Heroin, nicotine, Barbiturates, cocaine e.t.c