By Atlantic Reports

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called for stronger family involvement, early intervention and improved access to mental health services to address substance abuse and addiction in Nigeria, warning that stigma and inadequate treatment facilities continue to undermine recovery efforts.

The agency emphasised that people struggling with drug dependence require understanding, professional care and rehabilitation rather than rejection or condemnation.

The appeal formed part of activities marking World Mental Health Day 2026, observed annually on 10 October, under the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”

The theme draws attention to the importance of listening to people who have experienced mental health challenges and ensuring that their perspectives influence policies, treatment programmes and support services.

Speaking in Lagos on Saturday, the NDLEA Director of Seaports Operations and Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Mrs Archie-Abia Ibinabo, said increasing public awareness of the relationship between substance abuse and mental health was essential, particularly among young people.

She stressed that prevention, early identification and access to appropriate treatment should form part of a coordinated national response.

Peer Pressure, Family Challenges and Drug Misuse Raise Concerns

Ibinabo identified several factors that could contribute to substance misuse, including peer pressure, family difficulties, academic setbacks, underlying health conditions and the inappropriate use of prescription painkillers.

She explained that these pressures could expose individuals, particularly adolescents and young adults, to harmful patterns of substance use.

The NDLEA official also raised concerns about the influence of digital platforms, where content portraying drug consumption as fashionable or socially acceptable could encourage experimentation.

“Many factors contribute to drug abuse. Social media has also not helped matters because of the sensitisation and glamorisation of drugs on the platform, while easy availability increases the risk of abuse,” she said.

While social media exposure may influence attitudes towards substance use, addiction is a complex health condition shaped by biological, psychological, social and environmental factors.

Not everyone exposed to these risk factors develops a substance use disorder, making evidence-based prevention and individualised support particularly important.

Ibinabo urged parents, teachers and community leaders to recognise behavioural changes that may indicate a young person needs help, rather than responding with hostility or assumptions.

NDLEA Advocates Treatment Instead of Stigmatisation

A central message of the agency's appeal was the need to change how families and communities respond to people experiencing substance dependence.

Ibinabo warned that denial, discrimination and social rejection could discourage individuals from seeking professional assistance.

She urged families to create supportive environments where young people can discuss difficulties without fear of humiliation.

According to her, recognising substance dependence as a condition requiring professional intervention can improve opportunities for treatment and recovery.

“At the NDLEA, we have trained counsellors and experts who assist.

“Parents can bring their children to us for support and rehabilitation because we believe they can recover from addiction,” she stated.

The agency's position reinforces the importance of combining prevention with accessible counselling, medical assessment and rehabilitation.

Recovery from substance use disorders is possible, although treatment needs vary, and some individuals may require long-term care and continuing support.

Families also have an important role in encouraging treatment adherence, recognising potential relapse risks and helping recovering individuals rebuild relationships and daily routines.

NDLEA Explains Two-Pronged Strategy Against Drug Abuse

Ibinabo said the agency was pursuing two complementary approaches to addressing Nigeria's drug problem.

The first involves reducing demand through public education, awareness campaigns, counselling and preventive interventions.

The second focuses on reducing the supply of illicit substances through enforcement operations targeting drug trafficking, illegal manufacturing and distribution networks.

She highlighted the NDLEA's War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative as an important component of its preventive activities.

According to her, the programme introduces children, including primary school pupils, to age-appropriate information about the risks associated with substance misuse.

She explained that the agency seeks to use scientific and evidence-based information to help young people understand the dangers of drug abuse before harmful behaviours develop.

Early prevention programmes can support informed decision-making, particularly when they are appropriate for children's ages and delivered without fear-based messaging or stigmatisation.

However, the effectiveness of such initiatives also depends on sustained implementation, trained personnel and periodic evaluation of outcomes.

Shortage of Rehabilitation Centres and Specialists Remains a Challenge

Beyond prevention, Ibinabo expressed concern about the availability of rehabilitation services and qualified professionals to meet treatment needs.

She called for stronger partnerships between the NDLEA and state governments to expand access to rehabilitation and mental health support.

According to her, population growth and shortages of trained specialists are placing additional pressure on existing services.

The challenge is particularly important for low-income families and residents of rural communities who may face financial and geographical barriers to specialised treatment.

Where rehabilitation facilities are limited, individuals requiring care may have to travel considerable distances or depend on services that are not equipped to manage complex substance use and mental health conditions.

The NDLEA official maintained that government collaboration was necessary to improve treatment capacity and strengthen the country's response to addiction.

However, she did not provide figures on the number of rehabilitation facilities currently available, the scale of unmet treatment needs or the funding required for expansion.

These details would help clarify the resources necessary to translate the agency's recommendations into practical improvements.

Mental Health Expert Emphasises Communication and Social Support

Also speaking, the Founder and Executive Director of the Global Initiative on Substance Abuse (GISA), Dr Martin Agwogie, highlighted the importance of social relationships and open communication in protecting mental well-being.

Agwogie said individuals experiencing emotional difficulties often benefit from having trusted people with whom they can discuss their concerns.

“Having someone to talk to can help reduce emotional pressure and restore a sense of balance.

“However, when people have nobody to talk to, including their parents, siblings or friends, their mental health challenges can become more complicated,” he explained.

He stressed that family and community relationships could provide an important foundation for emotional support, particularly when individuals are experiencing distress or struggling with substance use.

His remarks also underscored the risks associated with social isolation, which can make it more difficult for people to seek assistance.

However, supportive conversations should complement rather than replace professional treatment when symptoms are severe, persistent or interfere with daily functioning.

Social Media Presents Opportunities and Risks

Agwogie also examined the relationship between technology, mental health awareness and substance abuse.

He acknowledged that digital platforms can provide valuable opportunities for education, prevention campaigns and access to information about treatment services.

Online resources can help individuals recognise symptoms, understand available support options and connect with organisations providing professional assistance.

However, he warned that the same platforms could be exploited to advertise or distribute harmful substances.

This dual role, he explained, requires a balanced approach that promotes responsible digital communication while addressing harmful online activities.

The growing influence of social media also highlights the importance of digital literacy, particularly among young people who may encounter misleading claims about drugs, mental health conditions and treatment methods.

Families and Communities Have a Role in Prevention

Agwogie urged Nigerians to recognise that addressing substance abuse and mental health challenges requires cooperation among individuals, families, healthcare professionals, educational institutions and government agencies.

He said communities should encourage open discussions about mental health while ensuring that people requiring specialised assistance receive appropriate referrals.

Family support, he explained, can help individuals recognise problems early and seek treatment before their conditions become more complicated.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that inadequate treatment facilities and shortages of mental health professionals remain significant barriers to quality care.

These challenges point to the need for stronger investment in community-based mental healthcare, professional training and accessible treatment services.

They also reinforce the importance of integrating mental health and substance use support into existing healthcare systems, particularly at the primary healthcare level.

Beyond Awareness: The Need for Accessible Mental Healthcare

As Nigeria joins the international community in marking World Mental Health Day, the concerns raised by the NDLEA and mental health advocates extend beyond public awareness.

Effective responses to substance abuse require affordable treatment, qualified healthcare workers, functioning referral systems and sustained support for people recovering from addiction.

For families, this means recognising that substance dependence should not automatically be treated as a moral failure or a reason for social exclusion.

For policymakers, it means ensuring that commitments to mental healthcare are reflected in adequate funding, trained personnel and accessible services.

The 2026 theme also raises an important question about whether people with lived experience of addiction and mental health conditions are meaningfully involved in designing the programmes intended to support them.

Their participation can help institutions better understand barriers to treatment, experiences of discrimination and the practical needs of people seeking recovery.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of Nigeria's response will depend not only on enforcement against illicit drug trafficking but also on the availability of compassionate, evidence-based care.

The message from the NDLEA and mental health advocates is that prevention must begin early, families must remain supportive, and professional treatment should be accessible to those who need it.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.