By Ibironke Ariyo
The Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) Detox Centre has called for tech-driven and culturally grounded interventions to counter evolving drug threats in Nigeria.
The Executive Director of VGADA, Dr Hope Omeiza, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja on the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day.
NAN reports that the World Drug Day (International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking) is observed annually on June 26 with theme: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
Omeiza said that conventional approaches alone can no longer address the world’s evolving drug problem.
He said that the theme aptly reflected the evolving nature of substance abuse and the urgent need for governments, health professionals, communities and families to adopt more sustainable approaches to prevention, treatment and recovery.
According to him, while law enforcement remains an important pillar in combating illicit drug trafficking, rehabilitation and mental healthcare must receive equal attention.
Speaking further, the VGADA director noted that addiction was a chronic health condition and not merely a moral failing or criminal behaviour.
“Many individuals battling drug dependence also experience mental health disorders, making integrated treatment essential for lasting recovery,” he said.
Omeiza said VGADA operates a detoxification and rehabilitation centre where individuals suffering from substance use disorders and mental health conditions receive comprehensive care.
According to him, the centre provides medically supervised detoxification, psychological counselling, behavioural therapy, family support, vocational training and social reintegration services.
“We have seen individuals who were completely written off by society regain their lives through structured treatment, professional care and continuous support.
“Recovery is possible, but it requires patience, commitment and an environment free from stigma,” he said.
He expressed concern over the increasing availability of illicit substances, especially among young people, warning that drug abuse continues to threaten public health, security and national development.
He said peer pressure, unemployment, family instability, poor mental health awareness and easy access to drugs remained major drivers of substance abuse.
According to him, prevention must begin at home, while schools, religious institutions and communities also have critical roles to play in educating young people about the dangers of drug abuse.
He urged parents to pay closer attention to behavioural changes in their children and seek professional intervention at the earliest signs of substance dependence.
The director lamented that many families still delay seeking treatment because of fear of discrimination and societal stigma.
He stressed that such delays often worsen addiction and increase the risk of mental illness, criminal behaviour and preventable deaths.
Omeiza called on government at all levels to invest more in rehabilitation centres, mental health services and community-based recovery programmes.
He also advocated stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, healthcare providers and the private sector to expand access to treatment and rehabilitation.
According to him, innovative responses should include digital awareness campaigns, school-based prevention programmes, community outreach, research and improved access to mental health services.
“Innovation is no longer optional in the fight against drug abuse. As drug trends evolve, our prevention, treatment and rehabilitation strategies must evolve as well.
“The answer lies in combining enforcement with compassion, science, mental healthcare and community support. That is the only sustainable way to reduce the burden of addiction.
“Recovering persons should be empowered through skills acquisition, employment opportunities and social support to prevent relapse.
“The fight against drug abuse cannot be won by enforcement alone. It requires prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, recovery and reintegration working together as one comprehensive response,” he said.
Omeiza commended the efforts of NDLEA, other government agencies, healthcare professionals and non-governmental organisations working to reduce drug demand and provide hope for people struggling with addiction.
He, however, urged stakeholders not to relent, saying emerging drug trends and new psychoactive substances demand continuous innovation and adaptation.
“As we commemorate World Drug Day, let us remember that behind every addiction is a human being deserving of dignity, treatment and hope.
“If we replace stigma with compassion and punishment with evidence-based care where appropriate, we will save more lives, strengthen families and build safer communities,” he said.
NAN reports that the day is marked globally to raise awareness of the global drug problem and encourage coordinated international action toward reducing drug abuse, promoting treatment and supporting recovery.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bukola Adetoye/Sadiya Hamza