Alcohol use among Nigerian youths: the need for drug education and alcohol policy.

The recent national heightened interest in drug abuse, involving social campaigns by political leaders, has provided an opportune time for interested workers to articulate and advocate a drug and alcohol education programme. Education in this case means the intentional giving of assistance or advice (by an educator or change agent) in a process of decision making on the use of alcohol and drugs. It should be integrated into the school curriculum, be multidisciplinary in approach, and in particular the parents of youths from elite homes should be involved. There are elements of drug education in developed countries that can be creatively adapted to countries like Nigeria. The programme will take into cognisance the religious differences between the North and South of the country, the literacy level and availability of Community resources. A national drug and alcohol policy will enhance the effectiveness of such a programme.