African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies

Adolescent alcohol use disorder and comorbid stressors: examining the effectiveness of safer drinking messages

Larry O. Awo, Sampson K. Nwonyi, Nsidibe F. Essien, JohnBosco C. Chukwuorji — Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Reports on safer drinking messages (SDMs) advocacy for alcohol use disorder (AUD) prevention have shown that SDMs present a plausible public health approach to AUD and its associated comorbid stressors (Anxiety and Depression) prevention and treatment. However, the SDMs approach are yet to be tested among Nigerian adolescents whose rate of alcohol use has been shown to be high and continues to be on the increase. The present study aimed to examine the role of SDMs in the association between AUD comorbid stressors among adolescents (N = 872; Mage= 17.13, SD = 3.02; male = 715(82%); female = 157(18%)). They responded to alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT), SDMs measures, and the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). PROCESS macro analysis results showed that AUD was positively associated with comorbid stressors, but negatively associated with SDMs. However, SDMs were negatively associated with AUD and its associated comorbid stressors, and further dissipated the AUD-comorbid stressors links. The findings emphasized the inclusion of SDM advocacy in AUD and comorbid stressors prevention, policy and treatment in Nigeria.

Advancing substance use disorder treatment in Africa: utilizing the instrumentality of law as an innovative strategy

Ayobami Tosin Olowoyo-Richards — Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are global issues affecting both physical and mental health, often leading to criminal behavior Substance abuse rates are notably high in Africa, particularly in Nigeria and South Africa. In Nigeria, 14.4% of people aged 15-64 (about 14.3 million individuals) reported drug use in the past year, significantly higher than the global average of 5.6% in 2016. According to the UNODC World Drug Report 2023, this prevalence underscores the severe drug use issue in Nigeria. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 41.6% of the population used any substance, with Central Africa reporting the highest percentage at 55.5%. Additionally, West Africa has a drug use prevalence of about 10%, more than double the global average of 4.4%. Enhancing access to SUD treatment is crucial to prevent affected individuals from harming others. This study explores recent developments and ongoing obstacles in improving SUD treatment access. Advancements include integrating evidence-based practices, technological innovations, and holistic care approaches to enhance treatment accessibility and effectiveness. Telemedicine, for instance, offers remote consultations, online counseling, and support, reducing geographical barriers. The expansion of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders, combining medications with counseling and behavioral therapies, improves recovery outcomes. Harm reduction strategies like needle exchange
programs and supervised injection sites provide immediate health benefits and engage individuals in further treatment. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach involving policy reforms, community engagement, and sustained investment in addiction treatment infrastructure.

Cannabis use and mental health in adolescents’ brain development: a position paper

Abel C. Obosi, Suarau Oyindamola Christiana — Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The increasing prevalence of cannabis use among adolescents raises significant public health concerns, particularly regarding its impact on mental health. This position paper explores the complex relationship between cannabis use, specifically tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), and adolescent mental health development. With approximately 209 million cannabis users globally in 2022, the adolescent demographic is particularly vulnerable due to ongoing brain development during this critical life stage. THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, has been linked to various psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis, as it disrupts the endocannabinoid system crucial for cognitive functions. Research indicates that early exposure to THC can lead to long-term cognitive impairments and increased susceptibility to mental health disorders. Conversely, CBD, a non-psychoactive compound, shows potential therapeutic benefits but its effects on adolescent brain development remain inadequately understood. The paper underscores the necessity for comprehensive research to elucidate the long-term consequences of cannabis use among adolescents and advocates for early intervention strategies. It emphasizes the importance of evidence-based public health policies and educational programs aimed at reducing cannabis use in this demographic. By addressing these issues, stakeholders can better equip adolescents to make informed decisions regarding cannabis consumption and mitigate associated mental health risks.

Computational predictive toxicology modeling for assessing human health risks of novel psychoactive substances (NPS): a case study

Abolanle A. A. Kayode, Ezekiel A. Olugbogi, Omowumi T. Kayode — Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study aimed to identify the increasing health challenges posed by the rapid emergence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) compounds. The research employed a multifaceted approach, integrating advanced computational techniques such as the Maestro Schrödinger 12.8 software suite, admeSAR, Protox II, Guasar toxicity modeling and molecular docking. A diverse dataset comprising chemical structures, hysicochemical properties, and toxicity data for known NPS compounds was curated and used to develop predictive models for various adverse health effects, including neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity. Key findings from the study revealed significant correlations between chemical structural features and toxicological endpoints, enabling the identification of structural alerts and toxicophores associated with NPS-induced adverse effects. Moreover, the study investigated the impact of metabolic pathways and bioactivation processes on NPS toxicity, providing insights into the potential formation of reactive metabolites and their contribution to adverse health outcomes. Overall, this research contributes to advancing the field of predictive toxicology and provides valuable tools for assessing the health risks associated with NPS consumption. The findings underscore the importance of integrating computational approaches into regulatory decision-making processes and public health policies to effectively mitigate the adverse effects of NPS on individuals and communities.

Drug court professionals’ perspectives on marijuana legalization implications for the drug court system

Daniel Amankwaah — Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

As of May 2022, more than 18 U.S. states had legalized marijuana for adult recreational use. Marijuana users constitute a large portion of drug court participants. However, little was known about marijuana legalization (ML) implications for the drug court system (DCS) to enable appropriate measures to be put in place. This generic qualitative study explored ML implications for the DCS from drug court professionals’ perspective using therapeutic jurisprudence theory as the framework. Purposive sampling was used to identify 13 drug court professionals from six marijuana-legalized states. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and analyzed. Findings indicated that ML has positive and negative implications for the DCS. including the introduction of complications and increased workload in the DCS. Positively, ML may be a source of income for the DCS through ML taxation. ML may also enhance harm reduction. Findings may help drug court practitioners, administrators, and managers improve the operations of the DCS in the era of ML. A successful DCS will serve as a model for treating people with drug use disorders in several parts of the World, including West Africa.

Drug use and parental factors among rural youth in Cross River State, Nigeria: a qualitative study

Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The burden of substance abuse is increasing among Nigerian youth. However, existing studies focus on trends in the urban areas. This study aimed to explore drug use and the role of parental factors among rural youth in Cross River State, Nigeria. A qualitative study was undertaken among purposefully sampled youth aged 16 to 25 years in three rural communities spanning two Local Government Areas of Cross River State, Nigeria. Three focus group discussions were conducted, comprising ten, eight, and ten discussants in each location. The discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed using the Taguette software. The participants identified some substances commonly misused locally, including methamphetamine, tramadol, codeine, cocaine, and marijuana. They cited factors that drive substance use, such as seeking inspiration or euphoric experiences, peer pressure, seeking enhanced sexual experiences, and coping with physical or emotional pain. Parental factors influencing substance use included permissive parenting, harsh communication styles, and parental drug use. Positive parental influences included having close, supportive relationships with parents, open and educative conversations about drug use with parents, and the beneficial impact of parental spirituality. Their recommendations included youth education on the dangers of drug use, employing youth-friendly communication styles, consistent parental supervision, and monitored screen time for adolescents. Drug availability in rural areas reflects urban trends, and parental factors are important determinants of drug use in youth. Interventions designed to empower parents and youth to mitigate the onset of drug use are needed.

Dynamics of substance abuse and treatment in West Africa

Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Daniel Amankwaah, Ndubuisi Christian Ani — Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Substance use disorder is evolving rapidly in West Africa, especially among the youthful population. Socio-economic stressors, idleness, and peer pressure are key drivers of substance abuse and addiction. The dire impact of substance abuse in West Africa requires concerted efforts to rehabilitate persons with substance use disorders while addressing the challenge of drug production and trafficking. This research, therefore, provides an evidence-based analysis of the emerging patterns and trends in regional substance use, as well as the treatment capacities across focal countries between 2020 and 2022. The research draws from the key findings from a three-year epidemiological study by the West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU) which is coordinated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The data were collected by national focal points and analysed in coordination with the ECOWAS Commission. The research shows that cannabis is the leading cause of treatment for substance use disorder and it dominates the list of illicit substance seizures. This is followed by resin, hashish, and new substances such as Kush. The research also highlights the proliferation of pharmaceutical opioids and other new psychoactive substances in the region. However, inadequate efforts to prevent substance use disorder and the shortage of treatment services pose multidimensional challenges to public healthcare, educational, economic, and criminal justice systems.

Exploring the presence of meaning versus search for meaning in the life of persons with substance use disorders

Eyo A. Asuquo, Dominic Nkanga, David O. Iloma — Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

An absence of meaning in one’s life can lead to apathy—the “existential vacuum”—and attempts to avoid or “escape” the vacuum can include short-acting distracting behaviors. This study investigated whether the presence of meaning (PM) or the search for meaning has a relationship with substance use problems among clients admitted in the drug ward at Neuro-Psychiatric hospital. Further, whether absence of Meaning mediates those relationships. Seventy-Six (76) clients with substance use problems in Psychiatric hospital completed the Meaning in Life Questionnaire and drug use decisional balance scale. The results support Frankl’s model, higher presence of meaning was related with lower drug use and Search for meaning mediated those relationships. In keeping with Frankl’s model, a relationship was found between search for meaning and substance use problems. We recommend the need for meaning-centered interventions targeted at helping clients with substance use problems to identify meaning in their lives thus reducing levels of substance use problems.

Is it high and is there a push? Prevalence and psychosocial correlates of substance use among young people in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria

Isaiah Yusuf Habila, Uchenna Frank Imo, Fidel Takim Otu, Faithful Isaiah Udo — Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Nigeria, with a youth proportion surpassing 70% of the country’s population is plagued by an increasing rate of substance use amidst the frightening projections. The present study sought to determine the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of substance use among young people in Calabar metropolis. The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2021 among young people (n=275, aged between 15-29) recruited using multistage sampling procedure in the two LGAs of the metropolis. The data were analysed using SPSS v.26 and presented in frequency, percentage and chi-square test of association. A lifetime prevalence of 23.3% was derived. Period prevalence in the past one month (26.5%) and one year (12.4%) were also obtained from the respondents with a 13.8% daily use frequency. Caffeine (26.6%), alcohol (23.7%) and sedatives (16.4%) were the most used types of substances among the group
with the majority attributing the reason for use to relieving stress (43.6%). There was a significant association between age (p=0.000), family background (p=0.005), mode of living (p=0.003), employment status (p=0.000) and highest education level (p=0.000), and the prevalence of drug use in the metropolis. The study reinforced evidence of the increasing prevalence of substance use among young people in Calabar metropolis with a strong influence by selected psychosocial factors. Innovative strategies for multilevel interventions should be adopted for driving a holistic approach in addressing the influence of these factors.