A Study On the Toxicological/ Clinical Effects of Drugs/Substance Abuse Among Nigerian Youths: A Review Study
Abstract
Drug abuse by Nigerian students and youths is an emerging health problem. This systematic review summarized the evidence of the toxicological effects of drug abuse among the young population in Nigeria, majorly on commonly used drugs, their patterns of use, and their reported toxicological effects. The literature search (2010-2024) was performed with the help of major databases and PRISMA guidelines. Eight articles passed inclusion criteria, which were six cross-sectional and two case-control/case-report studies in undergraduates or youth groups. The reported substances contained alcohol and opioid analgesics (tramadol, codeine). Measured outcomes included liver enzymes, renal markers of function, blood counts, and clinical outcomes. Results showed that there was biochemical organ damage: alcohol users had an increased liver enzyme (AST, GGT) and hematologic abnormalities (anemia, thrombocytopenia), whereas, opioid users had renal failure (reduced eGFR). Polydrug abuse (alcohol/opioids) was related to metabolic acidosis and oxidative stress (elevated LDH, MDA; reduced antioxidants). These findings are consistent with world trends in substance toxicity and reflect the well-known association between excessive alcohol/opioid consumption and organ injury. The review gives an insight on the mitigation measures, focusing on the coordinated prevention as a strategy to reduce substance abuse among young people to safeguard health. This will involve age-specific community and school-based education, peer-based interventions, and frequent health screening so that substance-related damage can be identified and dealt with.
Keywords
Substance abuse; Toxicological effects; Nigerian youth; Alcohol; Opioids.
Citations
IRE Journals:
James, Onisodumeya Elemchukwu , Umudi, Benjamin Akpore , Unye-Ejit, Joshua Emiyarei
"A Study On the Toxicological/ Clinical Effects of Drugs/Substance Abuse Among Nigerian Youths: A Review Study" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 2 2025 Page 1120-1129
IEEE:
James, Onisodumeya Elemchukwu , Umudi, Benjamin Akpore , Unye-Ejit, Joshua Emiyarei
"A Study On the Toxicological/ Clinical Effects of Drugs/Substance Abuse Among Nigerian Youths: A Review Study" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(2)
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