Drugs of Abuse: How They Work, Why People Get Hooked, and Their Impact on Society

 Drug abuse is one of the biggest health and social problems of our time. In Nigeria and many other countries, young people and even adults are getting caught up in the use of substances that affect the brain, emotions, and behavior. But what exactly are these drugs, how do they make people dependent, and what can be done to break free? Let’s break it down.

Common Drugs of Abuse and How They Work.

1. Opioids (e.g., codeine, tramadol, heroin).

These drugs are painkillers but when taken in high doses, they create a feeling of euphoria or “high.” They work by binding to special receptors in the brain that control pain and pleasure.

Why people get hooked: The brain starts depending on the drug for happiness. Without it, the person feels sick (withdrawal).

Impact: In Nigeria, codeine cough syrup and tramadol abuse have led to many youths becoming unproductive, with some turning to crime to fund their habit.

2. Cannabis (marijuana)

Marijuana contains THC, which alters mood, perception, and coordination.

Why people get hooked: Though not as addictive as opioids, frequent use can cause cravings and dependence.

Impact: It is the most commonly abused drug in Nigeria and is linked to poor school performance, unemployment, and even mental illness like psychosis.

3. Stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine – “mkpurummiri”)

These drugs make people feel energetic and overly confident by flooding the brain with dopamine.

Why people get hooked: After the high wears off, the brain craves more. Over time, normal activities feel joyless without the drug.

Impact: Methamphetamine abuse is rising in Nigeria, causing violent behavior, family breakdown, and community insecurity.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol is legal but widely abused. It slows brain activity, making people feel relaxed.

Why people get hooked: Long-term use causes tolerance, meaning people drink more to get the same effect. Stopping suddenly causes shaking, sweating, or even seizures.

Impact: Alcohol abuse leads to accidents, domestic violence, and liver disease.

5. Nicotine (cigarettes, shisha)

Nicotine acts fast in the brain, giving a short-lived sense of relaxation.

Why people get hooked: Cigarettes are highly addictive because cravings return quickly after smoking.

Impact: Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, and drains family finances.

6. Hallucinogens (ecstasy, LSD)

These drugs distort reality and cause hallucinations.

Why people get hooked: They are not strongly addictive physically, but people chase the “mind-altering” experience.

Impact: Linked to risky sexual behavior, unsafe gatherings, and health emergencies.

How Drugs Cause Dependence

All drugs of abuse hijack the brain’s reward system. Normally, we feel pleasure from healthy activities like eating, exercising, or spending time with loved ones. Drugs, however, flood the brain with “feel-good” chemicals, especially dopamine. Over time:

The brain demands more of the drug to feel pleasure (tolerance).

Stopping leads to painful withdrawal symptoms.

The person becomes psychologically trapped, constantly thinking about the drug.

The Socioeconomic Impact

Drug abuse doesn’t only harm the individual — it affects families, communities, and the nation.

Health costs: More cases of liver disease, HIV/AIDS (from injecting drugs), and mental illness.

Lost productivity: Young people drop out of school, lose jobs, or struggle to function.

Crime and insecurity: Drug trafficking, theft, and violence increase in drug-heavy communities.

Family problems: Domestic violence, broken homes, and neglected children.

National growth: A country loses manpower and resources to drug-related illnesses and crime.

How to Stop Addiction

Breaking free from drug addiction is not easy — but it is possible. Here are practical steps:

Admit the problem

The first step is recognizing that drug use is harmful and deciding to seek help.

Seek professional support

Doctors, psychologists, and rehabilitation centers provide medical and emotional help to manage withdrawal and prevent relapse.

Counseling and therapy

Talking to a therapist can help identify triggers and build healthier coping strategies.

Support groups

Groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide encouragement from others who have gone through the same struggles.

Family and community support

A strong support system reduces isolation and keeps recovering addicts motivated.

Healthy lifestyle changes

Exercise, good nutrition, hobbies, and spiritual practices can help rebuild a drug-free life.

Avoid triggers

Stay away from friends, places, or situations that encourage drug use.

Final Thoughts

Drug abuse is more than just an individual choice — it is a social problem with ripple effects on families, communities, and national development. Understanding how drugs affect the brain and society is the first step. The next step is action: prevention, treatment, and support. With awareness, strong family ties, and professional care, recovery from addiction is possible, and society can heal.

References

.United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (2018). Drug Use in Nigeria: Executive Summary.

.National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2022). Commonly Used Drugs Charts.

.Volkow, N.D., & Koob, G.F. (2016). Addiction as a brain disease. NEJM.