The federal government has been urged to declare a state of emergency on adolescent drug abuse.
President of the Recovery Discovery Network, Dr. Adekunle Adeshina, said such a declaration would trigger a multi-agency response involving the Ministries of Health and Education, as well as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to tackle the crisis at all levels.
He spoke at a programme tagged "Fly Above the High" held in Abuja over the weekend, which was organised to drive awareness and action against drug abuse.
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Adeshina called for the inclusion of age-appropriate drug education in the national curriculum for children aged eight to 10, stressing that prevention must precede exposure.
He also urged the government to allocate funding for early-stage counselling services, noting that timely intervention would reduce long-term health and economic burdens.
"Early investment saves both lives and resources," he said, while advocating stricter prescription monitoring and tighter regulation of over-the-counter drugs such as codeine and tramadol.
Adeshina further called for a shift in public perception, urging stakeholders to treat substance abuse as a chronic medical condition rather than a moral failing.
He added that faith-based organisations, community leaders and the media must play active roles in promoting this narrative and supporting affected individuals.
The expert also recommended training for primary healthcare workers, school counsellors and religious leaders to help them identify early warning signs and guide young people to appropriate care before addiction develops.
He advised parents to engage their children early in conversations about drugs and peer pressure, adding that routine drug testing should be viewed as a preventive health measure rather than punishment.
In her remarks, Hajiya Salamatu Farouq Yahaya, former President of the Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association (NAOWA), said family support is critical to the recovery of individuals battling drug abuse.
She noted that a supportive home environment plays a central role in helping recovering users stay on track and avoid relapse.
Yahaya cautioned against blame and harsh, judgmental language, describing such approaches as counterproductive. Instead, she urged families to show understanding, patience and encouragement.
According to her, listening to affected individuals and providing emotional and psychological support are essential steps toward recovery.
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"Families should realise that drug abuse is a disease, and the way out lies in support, counselling and avoiding stigmatisation," she said.
Also speaking, Dr. Samuel Abah called for stronger enforcement by regulatory agencies, expanded access to rehabilitation centres and sustained public awareness campaigns to improve prevention and recovery outcomes.
