Drug abuse fuels mental health disorders, crimes – Pharmacists

Drug abuse fuels mental health disorders, crimes – Pharmacists

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), has said that the rising tide of drug abuse in the country is fueling the surge in mental health disorders, crimes, school dropouts and other social problems in the country.

In a statement on Thursday, in commemoration of 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,, the National Chairman of ACPN, Ambrose Ezeh, said the consequences of unchecked drug abuse are not only devastating to individuals but also to the fabric of society.

According to Ezeh, every tablet sold without prescription or traded illegally is not just a crime but a threat to collective future.

“Today, June 26, 2025, the global community comes together once again to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a day set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking on individuals, families, communities, and nations,” The statement read partly.

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“Every tablet sold without prescription, every codeine cough syrup diverted, and every hard drug traded illegally is not just a crime, it is a threat to our collective future. Drug abuse fuels mental health disorders, crime, school dropout, family breakdown, and premature deaths. It cripples dreams and sabotages national development.

While emphasizing that the menace of drug abuse is crippling dreams and sabotaging national development, Ezeh stressed that community pharmacists, who are often the first point of contact for healthcare in communities, witness firsthand the impact of drug misuse, particularly among the youth.

He further called on governments at all levels, stakeholders, civil society groups, security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, parents, and educators to join hands and intensify their roles in prevention, education, early intervention, and rehabilitation.

“The ACPN therefore calls on all stakeholders; government, civil society, security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, parents, and educators to intensify their roles in prevention, education, early intervention, and rehabilitation.

The association however urged relevant agencies to enforce stricter controls on the distribution and sale of controlled substances. It added that the leakage points that allow prescription drugs to enter the illicit market must be closed.

Drug abuse fuels mental health disorders, crimes – Pharmacists