By Ranmilowo Ojalumo
Health expert, Mrs. Aderonke Ololade Arogundade has called for urgent attention to the growing threat of opioid use disorder (OUD) in Nigeria, describing it as a chronic and dangerous condition with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities.
Speaking during a lecture organised by Anti-drug foundation recently, Mrs. Arogundade, a seasoned health personnel, explained that opioid disorder—also known as opioid use disorder—is a medical condition marked by the compulsive use of opioids despite harmful consequences.
“People struggling with this disorder experience intense cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and a loss of control over opioid use,” she said. “It goes beyond drug abuse—this is a health crisis.”
According to the expert, some key symptoms of opioid use disorder include tolerance, withdrawal, social withdrawal, risky behaviors, and neglect of responsibilities. “These symptoms disrupt daily life and can spiral into more serious health and societal issues,” she noted.
Mrs. Arogundade identified several causes of the disorder, including genetic predisposition, exposure to trauma, mental health challenges, and prolonged use of opioids for chronic pain management.
The health worker emphasized the devastating impact of opioid misuse, categorizing the consequences into physical, mental, social, and economic effects.
Physically, patients face risks of overdose, infectious diseases, and organ damage. Mentally, opioid use can lead to anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. “Socially, it damages relationships, causes job loss, and leads to legal trouble,” she said.
On the economic side, she pointed out that opioid misuse leads to increased healthcare costs, lost productivity, and burdens on the criminal justice system. She also highlighted lesser-known outcomes like neonatal abstinence syndrome in newborns and the social stigma that prevents many from seeking help.
To curb the crisis, Mrs. Arogundade outlined a multi-level prevention strategy, urging individuals to use opioids responsibly and dispose of unused medications properly. Families were encouraged to maintain open communication and offer support to vulnerable members.
At the community level, she advocated for public awareness campaigns and stronger collaboration with healthcare providers. She also called on policymakers to enforce prescription monitoring and improve access to naloxone—an emergency drug used to reverse opioid overdoses.
For those already battling addiction, treatment options include medication-assisted therapies like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, as well as behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and family counseling.
“Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery can also provide emotional and psychological support,” she added. “Recovery is possible with the right combination of medical, psychological, and community support.”
Mrs. Arogundade urged the Nigerian healthcare system to strengthen screening efforts, support interdisciplinary care, and ensure funding for prevention and treatment programs.
“The time to act is now. We must treat opioid use disorder not just as a personal issue but as a public health emergency,” she concluded.
