By Kemi Akintokun
The International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), Nigeria Chapter, has urged professionals to harness technology in tackling the growing burden of drug and behavioural addictions among youths.
The newly elected President of ISSUP, Dr Olajumoke Koyejo, made the call on Thursday at the 2025 Annual Conference of the society held in Lagos.
The conference, with the theme ‘Impact of Technology on Addiction: Innovation in Prevention, Treatment, Advocacy and Research,’ examined how digital tools can improve addiction management.
Koyejo, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, said professionals must integrate technology into treatment for individuals battling substance and behavioural addictions.
She noted that these addictions were major contributors to rising mental health challenges among Nigerian youths.
According to her, professionals must collaborate and use technology for prevention, treatment, and advocacy to effectively address youth drug abuse.
“We can deploy technology for online therapy sessions, medication tracking, social media advocacy, and educational apps to enlighten youths on drug dangers,” she said.
Koyejo, however, cautioned that technology could also be misused, leading to harmful consequences if not properly managed.
She pledged that ISSUP would strengthen its programmes and partnerships to raise awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.
“Most of our initiatives will focus on what I call ‘Youth O’Clock’ — a drive to engage and educate young people on social vices,” she added.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, urged young Nigerians to embrace technology for positive innovation and shun drug abuse.
Olawande, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Youth and Adolescent Health, Mr Obinna Ebirim, said tackling drug abuse required collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
He praised ISSUP for its efforts in addressing substance use challenges in the country.
“Technology, while promoting innovation, is also fuelling new addictions such as online gaming, social media obsession, and cyber gambling.
“Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities for advocacy and youth enlightenment,” he said.
Keynote speaker, Dr Sunday Amosu, called for stronger awareness and increased access to mental healthcare across Nigeria.
Amosu, a Chief Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, described addiction as a “monster” affecting all segments of society.
He warned that excessive screen time and repetitive digital behaviour could trigger reward mechanisms in the brain, reinforcing addictive tendencies.
“When such patterns become frequent, it signals a problem that must be promptly addressed,” he cautioned.
The newly elected ISSUP executive, led by Dr Koyejo, was formally inaugurated at the end of the conference. (NAN)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
Published By
- Agriculture and Environment Desk Controller/Website Content Manager.
