A clinical psychologist at Aro Neuropsychiatric Hospital says over four million people in Nigeria’s South-West abuse drugs, warning of rising female involvement and high treatment costs

A mental health expert and clinical psychologist at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Dr Olanrewaju Sodeinde, has called for stronger collaboration among government, families and communities to curb the growing problem of drug and substance abuse in Nigeria.

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Dr Sodeinde disclosed that more than four million people in the South-West alone are believed to be struggling with drug abuse, citing data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Speaking on Saturday in Abeokuta during a sensitisation walkathon tagged “Kick Against Drug Abuse,” organised by the Lisabi Dynamic Sisters, the psychologist warned that the problem is far more widespread than commonly assumed.

According to him, drug abuse is not limited to men, as one out of every four drug users is a woman, with female participation steadily increasing.

“Globally, over 300 million people are said to be into drug use,” Sodeinde said. “According to a UNODC report, Nigeria has over 14.4 million drug users, and the South-West has a prevalence rate of 22.4 per cent, which translates to over four million people using drugs in this region alone.”

He noted that the figures are likely underreported due to fear of stigma, adding that many individuals do not seek professional help and are therefore not captured in official data.

“Some people are treated by traditional healers where they are restrained, beaten or subjected to unscientific methods. These cases are neither properly managed nor reported,” he said.

Dr Sodeinde revealed that drug abuse now accounts for the majority of admissions at neuropsychiatric facilities.

“As a professional working in a neuropsychiatric hospital, I can attest that more than 80 per cent of patient admissions are drug-related,” he said.

He added that the financial burden of treatment is enormous, with initial admission costing between ₦500,000 and ₦600,000, while treatment can last from one month to as long as six months.

“These costs place a heavy burden on families — money that could have been used for education, nutrition or personal development,” he said.

The psychologist warned that substance abuse alters brain structure and function, impairing reasoning, judgement and decision-making, while creating far-reaching consequences for families and society.

“Many individuals with great potential — who could have contributed meaningfully to national development — are instead lost to substance abuse,” he said.

Dr Sodeinde urged the government to subsidise treatment costs, noting that some countries bear a significant portion of addiction treatment expenses to improve access to care.

He also called on parents to closely monitor their children and seek professional help early when signs of drug use emerge.

Earlier, the President of the Lisabi Dynamic Sisters, Olori Aderonke Omolola Erinle, said the walkathon was organised to raise community awareness about the dangers of drug and substance abuse.

A retired Mental Health Information Manager at Aro Hospital, Dr Oyinade Tomori, also urged parents to speak out when they notice warning signs, noting that many cases are brought for treatment only after they have become severe.

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One of the association’s leaders, Mrs Kehinde Ogundipe, said the initiative would help send a strong message to residents indulging in drug use, adding that the group plans further interventions, including collaborations to support vulnerable schoolchildren.