Drug abuse is a significant issue among Nigerian youths.
According to a National Bureau of Statistics research, around 14.3 per cent of Nigerian youths aged 15 to 35 abused drugs at least once.
Marijuana, codeine, and tramadol are among the most abused drugs.
It is noted that a lack of access to substance addiction treatment and inadequate education about the hazards of drug use contribute to high rates of drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
Therefore, advocacy is critical in the battle against drug addiction among Nigerian youths.
Advocacy help to increase awareness about drug use, influence public policy and mobilise resources to support prevention and treatment efforts.
Our work as advocates to combat drug abuse among Nigerian youths is in the following ways:
1. Raising public awareness
Advocacy initiatives are employed to educate the public about the dangers and effects of drug abuse among Nigerian adolescents.
This involves educating the general population on the warning signals of drug abuse, the risks of certain substances, and the services available for prevention and treatment.
2. Influencing public policy
As advocates, our job is to influence public policy at all levels of government to ensure that policies addressing drug abuse among Nigerian young are in place.
We advocate for laws and regulations restricting drug availability, increasing financing for prevention and treatment programs, and providing assistance to youths and families impacted by drug use.
3. Mobilising resources
We help mobilise resources for prevention and treatment initiatives.
A part of this is working with community organisations and healthcare providers to establish prevention and treatment programmes, raise funds to support these programmes, and collaborate with the private sector to develop public-private partnerships for drug abuse prevention and treatment.
4. Advocating for better services
We ensure that Nigerian youths access quality drugs for prevention and treatment programs.
This includes campaigning for improved access to counselling and mental health services, more financing for drug abuse research, and improved training for healthcare workers.
5. Building coalitions
Advocates can also seek to form coalitions of various groups and sectors to address the issue of drug abuse among Nigerian young.
We build comprehensive, coordinated drug-abuse prevention measures by working with neighbourhood groups, government agencies, schools, and healthcare professionals.
Individuals, NGOs, CSOs, government organisations, and the media are our drug abuse prevention and treatment partners.
The efficacy of any drug abuse control program is depended on the advocacy’s reach and impact, as well as the amount of collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders.
Why not join us today to fight the scourge of drug abuse in our youths?
Join us for a brighter and better future in Nigeria.
Visit Boulevard Consult to lend a hand in this fight.
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