The Nigeria chapter of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals has warned that measures such as isolation and physical distancing may worsen drug abuse amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The society, an umbrella body of professionals dedicated to the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders among Nigerians, said the Federal Government needed to initiate measures to prevent a possible spike in drug abuse.
In a statement by the President, ISSUP Nigeria, Dr Martin Agwogie, the society said with over 14 million people using different psychoactive substances in Nigeria, the burden of substance use was huge and concerted efforts were required to reverse the worsening rate of substance use problems in the country.
It read, “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented governments around the world with significant challenges to their economy, health administration, and specifically, the prevention and treatment of substance use problems. “Particularly worrisome is the fact that measures put in place to tackle the pandemic and reverse it inadvertently increase the risk for the burden of substance use problems because isolation and physical distancing may limit access to treatment and aftercare.
“Mental health problems may trigger or worsen substance use problems, arising from fears about the uncertainty of global economies and rising job losses, homelessness and insecurity.”All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
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