This research examined the influence of Ndoki cultural and religious practices on alcohol and smokeless tobacco (snuff) use/abuse in Nigeria. Findings show that alcohol and snuff consumption surge during Ndoki cultural festivals and rites, including Ekpe, Ikoro, Nwutam, and marriage ceremonies. These ceremonies correlate with social issues such as domestic violence and accidents. Using an ethnographic methodology with thematic analysis, the study integrates structural functionalism and Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) theories to explore how these practices contribute to substance abuse. The findings reveal that while religious and cultural practices are not inherently harmful in themselves, they create an environment conducive to alcohol and snuff use and abuse, highlighting the need for targeted educational campaigns to mitigate health and social consequences.
Polysubstance use is an emerging public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Using nationally representative data from the 2016–2017 National Drug Use and Health Survey, we estimated prevalence and associations with self-reported drug-related health harm among Nigerians aged 15–64 years. Polysubstance use was defined as past-year use of two or more substance classes. Survey-weighted logistic regression was applied. The weighted national prevalence of polysubstance use was 7.0% (95% CI 6.0–8.0%), representing approximately 7.5 million Nigerians. Polysubstance use was significantly associated with higher odds of self-reported health harm (AOR = 1.31; 95% CI 1.09–1.57; p = .004). Polysubstance use is common in Nigeria and associated with increased odds of drug-related health harm.
The role of sleep disturbance in predicting substance use among adolescents has been scarcely explored, hence, this study aimed to investigate sleep disturbances as a predictor of substance use disorder (SUD) among adolescents and to explore the moderating effect of gender. This is a cross-sectional study involving a sample of 517 senior high school adolescents. The participants’ ages ranged from 11 to 19 years. Sleep disturbance correlated with and predicted SUD (r = 0.47, β = 0.11, p < 0.01). Gender correlated with SUD (r = -0.08, p < 0.05) but did not predict it (β = -1.43, p = >0.05). Female gender moderated the relationship between sleep disturbance and SUD (β = -0.12, p = < 0.01).
There has been growing need to improve the capacity of drug demand reduction practitioners to deliver substance use prevention interventions in different settings, especially in the workplace. This paper reports the findings from the pilot phase of the implementation of a training manual on substance use prevention, management and policy in the workplace in Nigeria. The aims of this study were to consider the feasibility of implementing a training manual for workplace substance use prevention, management and policy interventions in Nigeria; determine whether training objectives were met; assess trainer proficiency; and identify gaps for improvement. Instruments included a pre-post knowledge assessment developed by the author and a post-training survey adapted from the UPC manual that included several open-ended questions and a trainer proficiency survey. Participants were 40 attendees of a three-day training programme, drawn from a wide range of disciplinary and professional backgrounds. The training was conducted in Nigeria by Global Initiative on Substance Abuse (GISA). Participants completed both the pre and post-test survey. The mean difference between baseline scores and those observed following training demonstrate objective gains in foundational knowledge. The results were statistically significant (p< .001) and the effect size was large (1.866). All participants agreed that the training manual was implemented as designed, objectives met and that the course is relevant to their practice with an average rating of between 4.3 and 4.8 on a maximum scale of 5. All facilitators were ranked “proficient” (> 76%) in subject knowledge, ability to engage participants in the learning process, supervision of the training environment, time management, and demeanor. Participants universally agreed that the training was relevant, and findings provide preliminary evidence of feasibility and acceptability, and suggest that the manual can enhance foundational knowledge in workplace substance use prevention, management and policy in Nigeria.
Substance use, particularly opioid dependence, presents significant global health challenges, with opioid substitution therapy (OST) being a common approach to manage withdrawal and reduce harm. However, OST often fails to address the broader psychosocial needs of patients. This study explores the experiences of people using opioids who received homeopathic treatment alongside OST at a harm reduction centre in South Africa. A qualitative approach was used, with data gathered from 22 participants through semi-structured interviews at the Bellhaven Harm Reduction Centre in Durban. Interviews were guided by a semi-structured format to ensure consistency while allowing participants to share their experiences. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis, guided by grounded theory principles. Findings revealed that participants had strong motivations to quit substance use and rebuild family relationships. OST, mainly methadone, was valued for managing withdrawal symptoms but raised concerns about dependency. Participants appreciated the holistic, empathetic nature of homeopathy, which supported both physical and emotional well-being. However, challenges such as poverty, stigma, and environmental triggers persisted, limiting recovery progress. The supportive staff at the centre helped create a safe, dignified space for participants. Integrating homeopathy into harm reduction services may enhance holistic recovery and patient engagement. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes and broader applicability of homeopathy in this context.
