Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo recounts his battle with drug addiction and the steps he took to overcome it.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Nigerian youth and students to refrain from the use and abuse of psychoactive substances, highlighting the detrimental effects of drugs on both individuals and society.
During the second edition of the Fly Above The High anti-drug campaign conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, he shared personal reflections on how he might have succumbed to drug addiction under different circumstances.
Obasanjo stated that drugs offer no benefits to life and instead lead to destruction, encouraging those struggling with addiction to seek assistance, as silence and inaction can result in premature death.
The conference, organized by the Recovery Advocacy Network, included contributions from Dr. Abubakar Salami, a former drug addict, who called for an end to the stigma surrounding recovering addicts.
He underscored the significance of love, mentorship, and rehabilitation in fostering a drug-free society.
This event, which also served as the Supporting the Movement Against Drug Abuse Summit, emphasized the necessity for unified efforts to combat drug abuse in Nigeria and across Africa.
Obasanjo characterized drug abuse as “destructive” and expressed concern over its escalating prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa over the past decade, urging youths facing drug-related challenges to seek help rather than conceal their struggles.
I discuss drug-related issues with a clear perspective. As the Chairman of the West African Drug Commission under the Kofi Annan Foundation, I have come to understand that West Africa is not merely a transit hub for drugs; it has also emerged as a significant center for consumption.
Regrettably, our findings revealed that West Africa has become a major hub for drug consumption, a situation that has deteriorated over the past decade. This issue is not confined to West Africa; it is a challenge faced across the entire continent.
Obasanjo expressed concern over the devastating impact of drugs on youth, emphasizing that addiction is a self-inflicted condition that can only be overcome when individuals seek help.
He urged those struggling with addiction to be open about their situation and to pursue assistance, highlighting that while some conditions may be chronic, they can be managed with proper care and support.
The former President encouraged society to support individuals seeking recovery and to refrain from stigmatizing those who have battled addiction, asserting that no illness should carry a stigma.
In an interview, Dr. Abubakar Salami, a former addict and current Vice President of the Recovery Advocacy Network, shared his journey of overcoming addiction, emphasizing that love and mentorship are crucial in guiding individuals out of their struggles.
Recognizing and admitting the existence of a problem is the first crucial step in addressing drug addiction, which should be viewed as a disease.
Once this acknowledgment occurs, individuals can pursue assistance through rehabilitation centers or spiritual practices such as prayer and fasting to facilitate recovery.
Stigmatizing individuals struggling with addiction is detrimental to society, as it exacerbates their condition.
When society labels someone as flawed, that individual internalizes this negativity, which can hinder their recovery.
Therefore, it is essential to foster an environment of support rather than judgment for those affected by addiction.
Love and mentorship play pivotal roles in aiding individuals to escape the grips of addiction.
Many individuals remain unaware of the potential pathways to recovery, while others may have lost hope.
It is vital to communicate that recovery is possible, even without formal rehabilitation, by understanding personal triggers and avoiding them.
In a related discussion, Dr. Kunle Adesina, President of the Recovery Advocacy Network, emphasized the need for stringent legislation to combat the accessibility of drugs in society.
He urged that the government must take proactive measures to limit the availability of substances, as their presence contributes to increased demand and usage.
Effective addiction treatment should prioritize prevention strategies, particularly at the primordial and primary levels, to educate youth about the risks associated with substance use before they engage in it.
Adesina, a psychiatrist, noted that the most recent report on substance abuse in Nigeria indicated that approximately 14.3 million individuals have engaged in drug use within the last six months.
Furthermore, it was found that one in five drug users is female, highlighting the increasing involvement of women in drug abuse.
He emphasized the necessity for enhanced awareness campaigns to combat drug and substance abuse in the nation.
Peoplesmind
