Participants at the event
By Omolara Akintoye
To address the critical shortcoming in the fight against substance abuse, experts have said family involvement in services would aid recovery process as families are powerful resources for enhancing treatment and recovery success among youth with Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
This was the submission of stakeholders at 6th National Conference/AGM of the Nigerian Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP) Nigeria, held recently in Lagos, with the theme: Strengthening Family Support System for Substance Use Prevention, Treatment and Recovery.
National President, ISSUP, Dr Martin Agwogie said that strengthening the family support system is crucial for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of substance use disorders.
According to Agwogie, families play a pivotal role in the lives of individuals with these issues, and by enhancing involvement and support mechanisms, “We can create a more effective response to substance use. The focus on demand reduction and the understanding helps the family to play an effective role in controlling psychoactive substances.
Speaking further, “Family support would improve access to quality care and implementing community-based programmes that promotes health literacy and reduce stigma.
“Recent statistics shows that married couples in the country are increasingly drifting apart thereby exposing the children to the risk of substance use.
Agwogie urged parents to attend to the social and emotional needs of their children/wards to enhance the whole child development thereby minimizing the risk of substance abuse.
The keynote speaker, Chairman, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa said the emotional support, guidance and structure provided by the family can act as a protective buffer against the onset of substance use or increase in risk. “Families should encourage honesty and transparent discussions about difficult topics such as drugs and alcohol equip individuals especially children and adolescent with the tools that they need to make informed decisions”.
He emphasized on Teaching families effective communication strategies and conflict resolution skills to foster healthier interactions.
“Encourage participation in family therapy as part of treatment programs. Family-focused therapies can improve communication and address underlying issues”, said Marwa who was represented by Dr. Ngozi Madubuike.
Chairman Planning Committee at the event, Dr Olajumoke Koyejo pointed out that the substance abuse crisis in Nigeria is rooted in a complex web of social, economic, and cultural factors. Peer pressure, particularly among adolescents and young adults, plays a significant role in initiating drug use. This is often compounded by insufficient parental supervision, leaving young people vulnerable to negative influences.
On her part, Ijeoma Opara who represented the Director, Bureau of International Narcotics & Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Nig. states that the menace of drug use is a threat to security and development, hence the need for concerted efforts and collaboration to stem the tide.
Highlights at the event was award presentation to ISSUP, Zonal Co-ordinator West, Dr. Olajumoke Koyejo and Delta State Co-ordinator, Rev. Fr. Christopher Ogaga.
