CRISA warns of usage, abuse of illicit drugs

Ini Billie, Uyo

Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse (CRISA) has warned of a spike in the usage and abuse of illicit drugs in the country.

Programme Manager of CRISA, a non-governmental organisation, Mr Nsidibe Francis, said in Uyo during the weekend that as the 2023 elections draw close, cases of drug abuse will rise astronomically.

Francis who stated that the inference was realised from research conducted by the organisation, explained that the electioneering campaigns will spike the use and abuse of illicit drugs.

He urged the Federal and State Governments and other relevant agencies to partner with CRISA to mount sensitization programmes across the country ahead of the polls.

“Our research reveals that substance abuse spikes during electioneering campaigns. Our centre intends to partner with governments at all levels to sensitize the people on the risk of substance abuse.

“The government needs to change its approach to tackling drug-related issues. Rather than criminalize and punish abusers they should engage our services to sensitize and treat patients,” he stated.

The organisation revealed its intention to build a residential treatment centre for the treatment of people suffering from the side effects of substance abuse.

He said, “CRISA is a counseling and research centre for the treatment of persons affected by the abuse of hard drugs and substances.

“The centre was established 32 years and we have treated close to 700 since 2016. We are planning to build a residential treatment centre.

“What we currently have are drop-in centres where patients come and receive treatment and go back”.

Earlier, the executive director of CRISA, Professor Isidore Obot said that an estimated 14.3 million people (aged 15-64 years) in the country had used drugs excluding alcohol and tobacco.