Catching drug abuse early is one of the most effective things an adult can do for a young person. Research consistently shows that early intervention — before dependency is established — dramatically improves long-term outcomes. But early intervention requires early recognition.
This guide is written specifically for Nigerian parents, guardians, and teachers who want to know what to look for — and what to do.
Why Young Nigerians Are Especially at Risk
Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reports that the majority of people living with substance use disorders in Nigeria are between the ages of 15 and 35. Several factors drive this:
- Peer pressure in secondary school and university environments — social belonging is a powerful motivator, especially when substances are framed as normal
- Availability — Super Tramadol tablets, codeine cough syrup, and even crystal methamphetamine (Mkpuru Mmiri) are accessible near many schools and campuses
- Stress and academic pressure — many students use stimulants to stay awake, study longer, or manage anxiety
- Lack of accurate information — fear-based or exaggerated messaging often backfires; young people dismiss warnings they perceive as false
The first line of defence is an informed adult who can notice change without catastrophising.
Behavioural Warning Signs
Changes in behaviour are often the most visible early indicators. Look for patterns of change, not isolated incidents.
Social withdrawal
- Sudden loss of interest in friends, family, or activities they previously enjoyed
- New peer group that resists contact with parents or teachers
- Secretiveness about who they spend time with or where they go
School and work performance
- Unexplained absences or frequent lateness
- Declining grades after a period of stability
- Loss of interest in previously valued subjects or activities
- Difficulty concentrating, following instructions, or completing tasks
Changes in routine
- Sleeping at unusual hours — either oversleeping (opioid use) or barely sleeping at all (stimulant use)
- Irregular eating: skipping meals or eating very little (common with methamphetamine use)
- Sudden changes in financial behaviour — money disappearing, selling personal items
Mood and emotional signs
- Extreme mood swings that seem out of proportion to events
- Increased irritability, hostility, or unprovoked aggression
- Periods of unusual euphoria followed by deep withdrawal or depression
- Anxiety, paranoia, or unfounded suspicion
Physical Warning Signs
Physical signs are often more concrete but may appear later in the process.
Eyes and face:
- Red, bloodshot eyes (cannabis, codeine)
- Dilated or pinned (very small) pupils
- Rapid, involuntary eye movement
- Pale, hollow appearance in the face
Body:
- Sudden weight loss over weeks
- Unexplained marks or sores on skin (injection sites, picking behaviour common with methamphetamine)
- Dental problems — especially tooth decay and grinding in older teenagers
- Trembling hands or unsteady walking
Smell and appearance:
- Unexplained chemical or unusual smell on clothing or breath
- Sudden disregard for personal hygiene after previously being well-presented
- Wearing long sleeves in hot weather (concealing marks)
Signs Specific to Common Nigerian Substances
Mkpuru Mmiri (Crystal Methamphetamine)
The pattern with methamphetamine is one of the most distinctive: days of hyperactivity and sleeplessness followed by a "crash" of prolonged sleep and severe depression. Physical deterioration happens quickly — weight loss, dental damage, and skin problems may appear within weeks of regular use.
Super Tramadol
Users often appear "functional" — tramadol gives energy and suppresses appetite. Look for changes in appetite, unusual endurance for manual tasks, and mood volatility. Seizures in otherwise healthy young men are a late-stage emergency sign.
Codeine / Lean
Sedation and slowed speech are common indicators. Users often appear drowsy even when supposedly alert, mix unusual drinks (codeine is typically consumed with soft drinks), and may have persistent constipation.
What to Do When You Notice the Signs
Do not react with immediate punishment
An accusatory confrontation will almost certainly cause the young person to shut down and conceal behaviour more effectively. Your goal at first contact is to keep the line of communication open.
Start a conversation — on their terms
Choose a calm, private moment. Use "I" statements: "I've noticed that you seem tired all the time lately and I'm worried. What's going on?" Rather than accusations, express concern and curiosity.
Involve a professional early
If the signs are clear, or the young person admits to use, involve a professional counsellor or medical practitioner as quickly as possible. Earlier professional support dramatically reduces the likelihood of dependency developing.
Know the helplines
ALTDAP's Resources page lists verified rehabilitation centres and counselling services across Nigeria, searchable by state — free to access, no account required.
Do not wait for certainty
Parents and teachers often hesitate because they don't want to be wrong. But early intervention when signs are present is far less harmful than delayed intervention when dependency is established. Acting on concern — even if the concern turns out to be about something else — opens a conversation that may prevent problems regardless.
Building Resilience Before Abuse Begins
Recognition of warning signs matters — but prevention matters more.
Young people who have accurate, specific knowledge about what substances actually do are statistically less likely to try them. Not because of fear, but because they can make an informed choice.
ALTDAP's Awareness Challenge gives students a 20-question baseline of their current knowledge. Teachers and parents can take it alongside their students as a conversation-starter. No data is collected. No account is needed.