Psychoactive substance consumption among youths: an assessment of its socio-political challenges in urban Nigeria

Adefolaju Toyin, University of Ado-Ekiti
Omotosho Babatunde, University of Ado-Ekiti

Consumption of psychoactive substances may not be a new phenomenon in Nigeria. Studies have showed the rates and dimensions of consumption of this substance among touts, public transporters, motor parks and among deviants in the country. In recent times however, youths whether in the secondary or tertiary institutions or other fields of endeavour now engage in the consumption of alcohol and other psychoactive substances both publicly and privately and without restraints. They achieve this by visiting joints and patronise motor parks to consume these substances. This portends great risk for these youths, the family structure and the nation at large. Aside this, the implication of this on the health of these youths and the country at large is better imagined than described. Without doubt, this is a fall out of the challenges of modernisation vis-à-vis urbanisation, which has further affected the family structure more especially in the urban centres. Besides this, policies in the country have become a toothless dog hence the unrestricted access to these substances in public places. Several policies regarding alcohol and tobacco consumption in Nigeria have failed to achieve its stated aims. This article takes a critical look at the family structure in an urban society in Nigeria and its relationship with societal ills among urban youths. This study further examines different policies set up regarding psycho active substance in the county over time, its effect and challenges encountered in addressing consumption of this substance among youths. Finally, this study also recommends how youths, family structure and the policy makers can be up and doing in order to ensure healthy and virile youths in Nigeria.