Drug Abuse And Cultism in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions PDF

**DRUG ABUSE AND CULTISM** **Abuse**: To abuse means to maltreat, to treat improperly, to use wrongly. Cambridge dictionary defines abuse as; using something/someone for the wrong purpose and in a way that is harmful or morally wrong. A case of abuse arises therefore, when a person uses something i...

**DRUG ABUSE AND CULTISM** **Abuse**: To abuse means to maltreat, to treat improperly, to use wrongly. Cambridge dictionary defines abuse as; using something/someone for the wrong purpose and in a way that is harmful or morally wrong. A case of abuse arises therefore, when a person uses something in an unsuitable or a wrong way, especially for one's own advantage or pleasure. In such a situation, the person or thing being used is used violently, treated cruelly and unfairly. **Different Kinds of Abuses** Human Abuse and Substance abuse. According World Health Organization, there are four types of abuses in relation to attitudes towards human being: Physical abuse, Sexual Abuse, Emotional abuse, and Neglect. On substance abuse: This has to do with using a drug excessively and also without medical justification. In other words, wrong use of Drugs. Abuse comes by using a substance in a way that is not intended or recommended, or from using more than prescribed There are two types of substance abuse. - Abuse of Legal Substances eg. alcohol, nicotine, or prescription medicines. - Abuse of illegal substance = marijuana, heroin, cocaine, etc CAUSES OF SUBSTANCE/DRUG ABUSE - genetic vulnerability, - environmental stressors, - social pressures, - individual personality characteristics, - psychiatric problems **EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE** - **Physical health problems**: Substance misuse can increase the risk of physical health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer.^15^ - **Mental health problems**: Substance use often co-occurs with mental health problems, but it can also worsen or contribute to the onset of some conditions as well.   - **Risky or dangerous behavior**: Substance use can increase the risk of risky behaviors, such as driving while intoxicated and engaging in unprotected sex. - **Legal risks**: Using illegal substances means an increased risk of legal consequences, including arrest and incarceration. **TREATMENT OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE** - THERAPIES - MEDICATION PREVENTION OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE Identify the risks factors and stay aware from them, eg. Family history, peer pressure, and recreational drug use. Avoiding the occasion for si **Cultism in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions\ ** **Origin: The begin of cultism in Nigeria is traced to** The Pirates Confraternity Elite of the University College, Ibadan which was formed said Wole Soyinka in 1952 as a social association for the so purpose of forming a united Nigeria and inculcating the values of Nigeria heritage in the youth. Unfornately, as the association grew, ego and self-centeredness marred the unity of purpose. Consequently, the group split as some could not conform to the confraternity's purpose. The rebellious group formed a rival association known as National Association of Seadogs around the 1970s. As a result, what was supposed to be a non violent Social Association gradually metamorphosed into sort of a militarized structure of people coupled with fiendish activities and quite basically, criminality. As time progressed, these cult groups totally disregarded the main point agenda which was to preserve the heritage of their country and focused on protecting their own self interests. Hence, it became a situation whereby every cult  defends any member's interest whether it will lead to destruction of lives and/or properties. CAUSES OF CULTISM - **Poor parental upbringing:** Any child who engages in cultism is known to come from an imbalanced home. It is one of many things; Either the parents are divorced or neither parent has adequate time for their wards or the children are not properly trained, monitored or cared for. It goes without saying that if parents play their roles properly, their children will not run into the wrong company or feel more appreciated elsewhere. They will not seek security, love and assurance from anti social associations. - **Peer pressure:**  It is not possible to rule out Peer Pressure, especially when it comes to adolescents who are characteristically known to be rebellious and want to find acceptance from their peers. Similarly, most students are forced into joining out of their unwillingness because of threats from their colleagues who are already in the system. ** ** - **Lack of proper Orientation for the students:** Until there is enough training of students and youths in general about the dangers of Cultism, there will be a never ending practice. - Low Self Esteem: When students feel low about themselves, they join cults as a blanket to cover their insecurities. **EFFECTS OF CULTISM** - Reputational Damage: image destruction, bad impression - Insecurity: Leads to Destruction of Lives and Properties: When rival cults clash it is often disastrous. The destroy many lives including of other innocent persons and properties of both individuals and the institution. People are not sure of their lives. Even Staff are intimidated. - Low Academic performance: The clash often disrupts academic activities. There is decline in academic performances not only of members but also of other students who get destabilized by the attacks of the cultists. SOLUTIONS TO PREVENT CULTISM - Good Parenting: parents should inculcate good discipline and strictly monitor their children about the company the keep, what the watch and where they go. Help their child build high self esteem so that they would not look for security elsewhere - Strict Policies in Institutions - Sufficient Orientation: Important to train Children to understand the danger of cultism