Multidisciplinary network key to tackling substance use – Society

The International Society of Substances Use Professionals, ISSUP, Nigeria says building a multidisciplinary network involving all stakeholders is key to tackling the scourge of substance use disorder in the country.

National President of the society, Dr. Martin O. Agwogie, stated in Abuja during the 4th national conference and annual general meeting of the society themed, ‘Building a Multidisciplinary Drug Demand Reduction Network in Nigeria’.

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Quoting the National Drug Use Survey, he said that Nigeria has more than a 14 per cent prevalence rate of substance use which translates to about 14 million Nigerians between the ages of 14 and 64 years using psychoactive substances.

He said, “That is huge because it is almost three times the global prevalence. It is a big challenge. We need to step up capacity and increase facilities available”

He also disclosed that the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State have approved postgraduate courses in substance use prevention, treatment and policy standard as international courses.

The keynote speaker, Prof Bola Ola, a Consultant Psychologist, and former Acting Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Science, Lagos State University College of Medicine said education on substance use and addiction was necessary as the practice continues to increase in the country, noting that the trend places the country in a dangerous path as gleaned from reports and statistics.