Intricacies of the addiction menace in contemporary Nigeria: the legal status

Abstract

Background: Addiction is a behavioral tendency for dependence on, accompanied by intense crave for, as well as the compulsive use of an addictive substance and/or process. The types of addiction include chemicals such as drugs; technological like the mobile phone or internet; economic such as gambling; or even social in form of compulsive relationships. All the forms of addiction come at a huge cost to the individual, significant others and the society at large. These menaces of addiction are eating deep and fast into the social fabric of contemporary society, causing both enormous and continuous damage. Consequently, the law is looked upon to curtail the rate of spread and as well reduce the magnitude of societal destruction being experienced.

Methodology/Results: This paper delved into the legal and social aspects of addiction in Nigeria. Whereas the laws in Nigeria explicitly condemn drug addiction through the ban and restriction on the use and dealing in amphetamines and cannabis, they were permissive on alcohol addiction and even, to some extent encouraged gambling. Furthermore, the Nigerian law is yet to address issues of technological addiction such as the excessive and/or compulsive use of the internet.

Conclusion: It is recommended that there is an urgent and stringent need for the review of Nigerian laws regarding addiction, to include and regulate all forms of addiction. Also, policies should empower agencies and organisations that may be responsible for monitoring and regulating addiction indexes in our society.

Key Words: Addiction, Intricacies, Legal Status, Substances of abuse.