Recreational Substances ln Common Use in Africa: A Scoping Review
Grace Chukwuekwu. B.MLS. Health Writer. Medically reviewed by the DLHA Team
November 8, 2025
A group of young people with recreational drinks. Click on image to enlarge. Image credit: Freepik
Recreational drugs are substances people use not for medical reasons, but to alter their mood, thoughts, or feelings for enjoyment. They are also called psychoactive substances because they affect the brain and change how a person thinks, feels, or behaves. Many people turn to these drugs for different reasons: some want pleasure or excitement, others are looking for an escape from stress or frustration, while curiosity, peer pressure, and the desire to stay awake or improve performance also play major roles [1].
In Africa today, recreational substance use is rising rapidly, especially among young people. Studies in Nigeria reveal that over half of those admitted for substance-related mental health issues are secondary school students [1].
Alcohol remains the most commonly abused substance, making up 35.1% of cases, Following is cannabis (marijuana) which accounts for 15.7% of reported cases, while heroin represents 15.3%.
Most importantly, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) projects that drug use in Africa will rise by 40% by 2030, affecting an estimated 83 million people [2]. Furthermore, experts predict that by 2050, longer life spans and a fast-growing population could cause mental health and substance use disorders in Africa to rise by about 130%, leading to nearly 45 million years of disability [3].
What was once considered a foreign problem has now taken root on the African continent, with some regions shifting from being mere transit routes for drug trafficking to becoming destinations and markets themselves.
The risks are far-reaching. Recreational drug use can impair judgment, attention, and perception, leading to accidents, poor decision-making, and long-term health consequences [3]. Among students, substance abuse is linked to unsafe sexual activity, poor academic performance, violence, and even mental health problems such as depression and suicidal thoughts [4].
In countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and across Southern and East Africa, reports show that drug use often starts early, sometimes between the ages of 14 and 19, making it a pressing concern for schools, families, and health systems [4].
Young people, especially those under 35, are the most affected group. Factors such as unemployment, poverty, lack of parental support, experimentation or a way to “fit in,” and peer influence increase the likelihood of drug use [1].
The reality is that recreational drugs often come with hidden costs such as health risks, social consequences, and strain on both families and healthcare systems across Africa.
This article takes a closer look at the most commonly used recreational substances across Africa, exploring how they are used, why people turn to them, and the impact they have on individuals and communities.
We begin with the most widespread, alcohol and cannabis (marijuana), and move on to other substances that are gaining ground, including cocaine (both crack and powdered forms), heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy (MDMA), and LSD (acid). Each of these drugs tells a story about changing lifestyles, social pressures, and the growing challenges of substance use in Africa.
Friends cheering with glasses of alcohol while watching a sport at a bar together. Click on image to enlarge. Image credit: Freepik.
In many parts of Africa today, alcohol consumption has become a part of daily life. Take, for instance, Iremide Akinyemi (not his real name), a commercial driver on the busy Lagos-Ibadan route, who never begins a trip without “clearing his eyes” with a few sachets of alcohol. Like many others, he now relies on sachet packed and small bottle drinks because they are cheaper and more convenient to carry. “Since the big bottle now costs thousands of naira, we buy the sachets,” he explained [5].
This story reflects a larger trend, alcohol packaged in sachets or small plastic bottles has made drinking easier, more affordable, and more widespread, especially among young and low-income Nigerians.
Alcohol, in simple terms, is a psychoactive substance that depresses the central nervous system. When consumed, it causes relaxation, lowers inhibition, and creates feelings of temporary confidence. However, when taken frequently, it leads to serious health and social problems. Alcoholism, which is drinking to the point where it causes harm while the user continues despite those harms, has become a growing issue across many African countries [6].
People drink alcohol for various reasons: to socialize, relieve stress, escape life’s challenges, or celebrate events. For many Africans, drinking is a cultural and social practice tied to ceremonies and gatherings. Yet, the economic hardship and lack of employment opportunities have also pushed some people, especially men in working-class jobs, to rely on alcohol for comfort or energy [5]. Unfortunately, the easy availability of cheap alcoholic sachets has worsened harmful drinking habits.
The effects of alcohol range from short-term changes in behavior to long-term health damage. In the short term, alcohol can lead to intoxication, poor decision-making, risky sexual behaviors, and accidents. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that alcohol use is linked to risky sexual activities such as unprotected sex, multiple partners, and even sexual assault, which can increase cases of sexually transmitted infections like HIV and Human Papillomavirus,HPV. Over time, excessive drinking can cause liver disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and various cancers, including those of the liver, breast, and throat [7]. Alcohol also contributes to mental and behavioral disorders, injuries, and weakened immunity, making people more vulnerable to diseases like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
Africa faces a growing crisis from harmful alcohol consumption. Although some countries have high abstinence rates due to religious or cultural reasons, others are seeing dangerous levels of drinking.
On average, people around the world drink about 6.4 litres of pure alcohol a year, while in Africa it’s about 6.2 litres. Take for instance, in Nigeria, the number is much higher, over 13.4 litres per person [8] and more than half (53%) of people aged 15 and above consume alcohol, with many engaging in “binge drinking”, i.e., consuming large amounts in a single sitting [5].
Across sub-Saharan Africa, alcohol-related diseases, injuries, and deaths are rising. The WHO reported that Africa has the highest proportion of alcohol-attributable infectious disease deaths globally about 33% [9] Yet, fewer than 15% of African countries have national alcohol control policies.
This lack of regulation, combined with aggressive marketing and economic hardship, fuels alcohol misuse and its devastating health and social consequences.
Moving forward, while alcohol is legal and widely accepted, its misuse has quietly become a silent epidemic.
Beyond alcohol, another substance, cannabis, is spreading fast across Africa. It’s cheap, easy to find, and often seen as harmless, but its impact tells a different story.
Marijuana smoking is regarded as part of the daily life of some African indigenous people. Click on image to enlarge Image credit: Freepik.
In many African communities, cannabis has long been woven into cultural life. In some communities within Nigeria, for example, it is not unusual for cannabis to be included in the bride list when a man seeks a wife. Despite this cultural acceptance, cannabis remains an illicit drug in most African countries, and its growing use has become a serious public health concern. In fact, cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in Africa, with a prevalence of 5.2% to 13.5% in West and Central Africa respectively [3].
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a psychoactive plant used for its mind-altering effects. Across Africa, it goes by many names depending on local languages and culture. It is called weed, Igbo and ganja in Nigeria, and dagga in South Africa, among others. These names reflect how widespread and familiar the drug has become across the African continent. Cannabis can be consumed in several ways. The most common method is smoking it, either rolled into a joint or in pipes. In some areas, it is baked into foods like cakes or biscuits, or brewed into tea. More recently, teenagers are turning to vaping devices that contain cannabis extracts such as tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, or cannabidiol, CBD [10].
People often use cannabis for relaxation, as it creates a calming “high.” It is also used to strengthen social bonds as friends gather to smoke and laugh together. Some report that it boosts creativity or helps them escape stress, trauma, or feelings of frustration [11]. Among adolescents, curiosity and peer influence are also strong drivers, while others turn to it as a coping mechanism for poverty, violence, or family issues [11].
In the short term, cannabis can cause a feeling of euphoria or being “high.” Users may become more talkative, laugh easily, and feel hungry. But alongside these effects, it also impairs judgment, coordination, and memory [9,12]. Long-term use is more concerning. Studies have linked heavy cannabis use to memory loss, reduced motivation, poor school performance, and even mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and increased risk of suicide among adolescents [11]. Some young people also combine cannabis with other substances like amphetamines, which can make the risks worse [11].
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide, and Africa is no exception [13]. In 2020, an estimated 209 million people used cannabis globally, with 6.41% of Africa’s population aged 15–64 reporting use [9]. Within Africa, usage rates vary widely. In Zambia, lifetime prevalence among adolescents has been reported at 37.2% [11]. Nigeria records the highest number of cannabis users in Africa, with Port Harcourt alone showing a striking 26% usage rate among secondary school students. [11]. South Africa also has high rates, with 16.9% of high school students in KwaZulu-Natal using the drug. Meanwhile, Morocco has long been a global hub for cannabis cultivation and trafficking [11].
Laws across the African continent remain strict, with cannabis classified as illegal in most African nations. Enforcement, however, can be inconsistent, and in some rural or cultural contexts, cannabis continues to enjoy acceptance despite its illegal status. Youth attitudes are shifting too as many view cannabis as less harmful compared to harder drugs, not always realizing the long-term risks.
While cannabis remains the most widely used illicit recreational drug in Africa, it is far from the only one. Next, let us now examine cocaine, its use, risks, and the realities of its presence across Africa.
Portions of cocaine Image credit: Click on image to enlarge. Freepik. Click on image to enlarge.
Cocaine is one of the world’s most powerful and addictive stimulants, and its presence in Africa has grown significantly in recent years. Once known mainly as a transit drug moving through the continent toward Europe, cocaine has now found a local market where it is fueling addiction, health problems, and social breakdown in many communities.
Cocaine and crack are the same drug but in different forms. Powder cocaine is the white powder that people usually snort, rub on their gums, or inject after dissolving in water. Crack cocaine, on the other hand, is made by mixing powder cocaine with baking soda or ammonia and heating it to form solid “rocks.” It gets its name from the crackling sound the rocks make when heated. Smoking crack or injecting cocaine produces a strong, fast “rush” that lasts only about 10–20 minutes, while snorting powder cocaine gives a slower high that can last up to an hour. Because the feeling fades quickly, users often take more to maintain the high, which increases the risk of addiction and health problems. Both forms of cocaine act quickly on the brain, making them extremely dangerous and addictive [14].
In the short term, cocaine reduces hunger and fatigue, increases body temperature and heart rate, and creates a sense of excitement and power. People may talk fast, sleep less, and feel unusually energetic. But as the effects wear off, they often experience irritability, depression, or exhaustion. Long-term use is much more dangerous. It can lead to severe heart problems, breathing difficulties, malnutrition, and mental health issues such as paranoia and hallucinations. Cocaine is also highly addictive, once dependence sets in, users struggle to stop even when the drug begins to destroy their health, relationships, and finances [15].
Cocaine use in Africa is tied closely to international trafficking. The continent, especially West Africa, has become a major transit route for cocaine from Latin America bound for Europe. Poorly monitored borders, corruption, and economic hardship make the region an easy passage for smugglers [16]. The Sahel region, stretching from Senegal to Chad, has become a hotspot for drug trafficking. In 2022, authorities seized over 1,466 kilograms of cocaine across Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Niger, far more than the yearly average in previous years [11]. Senegal alone intercepted more than three tons of cocaine at sea in a single operation [17].
What was once just a stopover route has now turned into a breeding ground for local addiction. Experts warn that part of the trafficked cocaine ends up spilling into communities when smugglers are paid in-kind or when enforcement fails to catch all shipments. Countries like Ghana and Nigeria are seeing more cases of cocaine dependency, especially among young people, while crack cocaine (cheaper and more addictive) is spreading fast in urban centers [15]. In Niger and Senegal, authorities have even discovered local laboratories producing crack for domestic use [15].
The impact is devastating. Families are breaking apart as addiction rises, and many communities lack treatment facilities or awareness programs to handle the crisis. Cocaine use is also linked to crime, unemployment, and the weakening of already fragile economies. The drug that once passed silently through Africa on its way to Europe is now claiming lives within the continent itself.
A small portion of heroin in a transparent bag with a teaspoon and syringe and needle in the background. Click on image to enlarge. Image credit: Freepik.
Heroin is a powerful and highly addictive drug made from opium, a natural substance taken from the seed pod of the poppy plant. It usually appears as a brownish powder and people use heroin in different ways, by smoking, snorting, or injecting it directly into the veins. Injecting the drug gives the fastest and most intense effect, which many users describe as a sudden “rush” of pleasure and relaxation.
Many people start using heroin for the intense feeling of euphoria and calm it provides. It helps them feel detached from pain, anxiety, and daily stress. However, this temporary sense of relief quickly leads to dependence. Over time, users need more of the drug to feel the same effect, and when they stop, they experience severe withdrawal symptoms such as pain, nausea, sweating, and restlessness. Studies show that people use opioids like heroin for various reasons ranging from pleasure-seeking, relieving stress, escaping life problems, peer influence, and even to gain courage or energy for difficult work or sex trade [18].
The short-term effects of heroin include intense relaxation, reduced pain, and a false sense of comfort. But the long-term effects are devastating. Frequent users may suffer from collapsed veins, heart infections, liver and kidney disease, and lung complications. Injecting heroin with unclean needles increases the risk of HIV and hepatitis infections. Overdosing is common and can lead to breathing problems, coma, or death, in severe cases.
Heroin use in Africa has changed over time. Like cocaine, what began as a transit route for drug trafficking has now become a region of growing consumption [18]. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is rising fast in Africa, marking a shift from being just a smuggling corridor to a continent of internal use [19]. The availability of heroin, especially in East Africa, has made it accessible to many young people in urban and coastal communities.
In Kenya, for instance, heroin once passed through the country’s ports on its way from Afghanistan to Europe. Today, it has found a local market and the number of Kenyans injecting heroin rose by over 50% between 2011 and 2019, with Mombasa as a hotspot for heroin trade and use. The drug’s low price, sometimes as cheap as two U.S. dollars per hit, has worsened the problem, making addiction a major public health issue [20].
Similarly, in Tanzania, about 30,000 people inject drugs, with around 35% living with HIV [19]. Sharing contaminated needles spreads HIV and hepatitis, while poor living conditions and weakened immunity among people who inject drugs increase their risk of tuberculosis. The social consequences are severe and they include families being torn apart, unemployment rising, and many users facing stigma, arrest, and lack of access to treatment.
Women who use heroin are especially vulnerable. Many are exposed to violence, forced into sex work to support their addiction, and find it hard to access medical care or rehabilitation centers dominated by men [19].
Despite these challenges, there are efforts to help. In Kenya, medical facilities now offer medically assisted therapy using methadone and buprenorphine to help users recover safely [20]. These centers provide not just medication but also counseling, mental health care, and family reintegration programs [18].
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, ice, Tina, or mkpurummiri in Nigeria, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that looks like shiny, glass-like crystals. It can be smoked, swallowed, injected, or even snorted depending on its form [6]. When used, meth releases large amounts of dopamine (the brain’s “feel-good” chemical) creating intense pleasure and energy. However, this rush is short-lived, leading users to take more, often resulting in a dangerous cycle known as the binge and crash pattern.
Many people turn to meth because it offers a quick boost of energy and alertness. Students may use it to stay awake and concentrate, while workers take it to perform longer or harder tasks. Some use it to boost sexual performance or lose weight. These temporary benefits often come with devastating long-term consequences [21]. Its long-lasting high and relatively low cost have earned it the name “poor man’s cocaine.”
In the short term, meth makes people feel energetic, talkative, and less hungry. However, it also causes insomnia, restlessness, and rapid heartbeat. Over time, continuous use leads to serious health problems such as brain damage, heart disease, seizures, and extreme tooth decay known as “meth mouth.” Long-term users often show signs of violent behavior, paranoia, and hallucinations [22]. Some even walk half-naked on the streets, lost in psychosis which is a heartbreaking sign of how destructive the drug can be. Meth’s effect on the brain is especially dangerous. It overstimulates the nervous system and damages brain cells responsible for movement and memory, leading to symptoms that resemble Parkinson’s disease. Depression, suicidal thoughts, and violent outbursts are also common among long-term users [22].
Africa’s methamphetamine crisis has grown rapidly over the past decade. Nigeria has become one of the largest producers in the region, second only to South Africa [23]. The first meth lab was discovered in Lagos in 2010, and since then, authorities have dismantled over 17 illegal laboratories across the country. The quantity of meth seized rose sharply from just 177 kilograms in 2012 to over 1.3 tons in 2017 [21].
These labs are often hidden in residential areas, creating huge risks of explosions, toxic waste, and fires. Beyond production, meth use has spread deeply into Nigerian communities, especially among young people who are drawn by its low price and strong effects. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime estimated that nearly 89,000 Nigerians used meth by 2018 [23].
Experts warn that Nigeria could become a “narco state” if the growing meth industry is not controlled. Much of the meth produced is exported to South Africa and even Asia, but enough remains to fuel addiction at home. Families and communities are suffering as users abandon responsibilities, turn violent, or lose touch with reality. In many areas, the sight of young people behaving erratically under the influence of methamphetamine has become all too common [22].
Ecstasy (MDMA) pills from the U.S. DEA article. Click on image to enlarge.
Ecstasy, also known as MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a lab-made drug that acts as both a stimulant and a mild hallucinogen. It often comes in colorful pills when called “ecstasy,” while “molly” usually appears as a white powder or crystals. Both are designed to create feelings of happiness, energy, and emotional closeness. People may take it orally or snort it, believing it helps them connect with others and “feel the music” better during social events [24].
MDMA is often called a “party drug” because it’s commonly used at nightclubs, raves, or house parties. Many young people say it helps them feel more connected, confident, and carefree. It gives a temporary boost of energy and an intense sense of pleasure, which makes it attractive in social gatherings. Unfortunately, what starts as fun can turn risky when users take high doses or mix it with other substances.
In the short term, MDMA can make users feel euphoric and full of love and energy. However, it also raises body temperature and causes sweating, dehydration, and jaw clenching. Some people experience nausea, restlessness, or dizziness [25]. Because ecstasy affects the brain chemicals responsible for mood, repeated use can lead to depression, anxiety, and memory problems later on [26]. Long-term users may also develop sleep issues, emotional instability, and in some cases, damage to the heart or liver.
A major danger lies in drug adulteration. Pills sold as MDMA are often mixed with other drugs like methamphetamine, ketamine, or even opioids such as fentanyl, making them unpredictable and sometimes deadly [25].
In Africa, ecstasy and other amphetamine-type stimulants now rank as the second most commonly abused illicit drugs after cannabis [27]. These substances are especially popular among young people in clubs and urban parties, where they are seen as part of the nightlife culture. Many of these pills are imported from Europe and Asia, making them easier to find across cities. However, the rise in use has been linked to unemployment, poverty, and the easy flow of drugs across borders. While MDMA may seem like a “fun drug,” its effects often come with serious health risks and long-term emotional consequences.
An LSD blotter sheet, capsule, and powder from the U.S. DEA article. Click on image to enlarge.
Lysergic acid diethylamide, better known as LSD or acid, is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that changes how the brain processes reality. It is often found on small pieces of blotting paper, called tabs, which users place on their tongue to absorb the drug. Other common street names include Boomers, Hippies, and Acid [26]. LSD is extremely potent even tiny amounts can cause intense effects that last for 7 to 12 hours [16].
People take LSD for many reasons. Some use it to experience “trips,” where colors, sounds, and emotions feel stronger or distorted. Others take it for spiritual or creative exploration, seeking mystical or mind-opening experiences [16]. However, because the drug’s strength varies greatly, its effects can be unpredictable. A person may have a “good trip” filled with pleasant sensations or a “bad trip” marked by fear, anxiety, or confusion [26].
In the short term, LSD can cause hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, sweating, chills, mood swings, and loss of appetite. Some users experience panic attacks or paranoia, especially during a “bad trip.” Long-term effects may include flashbacks (sudden replays of hallucinations) and mental health issues such as anxiety or psychosis in vulnerable individuals [26].
Although LSD is not as common as drugs like cannabis or cocaine, it has started to appear in urban and artistic circles across Africa, particularly among youth experimenting with creativity and self-expression. Reports from Zimbabwe, for example, show rising curiosity about LSD among young people, signaling its slow spread through certain social groups [26]. Much of its influence comes from Western counterculture, where LSD was once promoted as a drug for artistic and spiritual exploration. Despite its reputation, LSD remains a powerful and unpredictable substance that can deeply affect both mind and body.
The rise of LSD use, though small, points to a larger picture of the growing and changing nature of drug use across Africa.
Drug use in Africa has become a growing concern, and while many governments have taken steps to fight it, deeper issues continue to make progress difficult. Problems such as weak health systems, limited rehabilitation services, stigma, corruption, and drug trafficking all work together to keep the cycle of substance abuse alive. Let's discuss these in detail:
Many African countries have fragile health systems that are not fully equipped to handle the complex problem of addiction. Treatment centers are few, and most of them are located in big cities, making them inaccessible to people in rural areas [16]. A report on West Africa revealed that there are limited treatment services, poor funding for prevention programs, and a lack of reliable data to track drug use trends [28]. Without accurate data, countries struggle to plan interventions effectively. Even when services exist, they often lack trained professionals who understand addiction care. Some healthcare workers still see drug users as criminals rather than patients, which worsens stigma and discourages people from seeking help [8]. This stigma is not only found in society but also within health institutions, where discrimination and judgment are common. Because of this, many people delay seeking treatment or try to hide their addiction until it becomes severe.
Although law enforcement agencies like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria have made notable efforts in drug seizures and arrests with millions of kilograms of drugs confiscated and thousands of offenders prosecuted [1], corruption and political interference continue to undermine progress. Weak governance allows traffickers to exploit gaps in border control systems, turning parts of Africa from transit routes into active consumer markets for illicit drugs [3].
Drug trafficking routes now pass through several African countries due to their geographical position between South America, Asia, and Europe. These routes make it difficult to control the supply of illegal substances. Even with government actions like the ban on open drug markets and codeine-containing syrups, trafficking and smuggling persist because corrupt officials and porous borders allow illegal goods to pass with little resistance [1].
Beyond systems and enforcement, the social environment also fuels the crisis. High unemployment, poverty, and lack of education have left many young people vulnerable to drug use [28]. With limited awareness about the dangers of addiction, many turn to drugs for escape or to cope with emotional pain. Broken homes, peer influence, and lack of parental supervision further increase the risk among youth [1].
Addressing drug abuse in Africa requires a collective, long-term effort that combines education, community involvement, healthcare, and strong government support. Since no single strategy can solve this challenge [29], the best approach is one that unites families, schools, health systems, and policymakers to reduce demand, treat addiction, and prevent new cases.
Education is the first line of defense against drug abuse. Teaching young people about the health risks and social consequences of drug use can help prevent early experimentation [1]. Schools should include lessons on substance abuse in their curriculum and promote healthy lifestyle choices among students. Community-based awareness campaigns, through radio, television, social media, churches, and mosques, can reach even those outside formal education systems [2].
Parents also play a key role. When they openly discuss drugs and monitor their children’s activities, it reduces the chances of peer pressure leading to substance use [1]. Governments and NGOs should support family-focused education programs and train teachers, youth leaders, and community workers to serve as early-warning guides for at-risk youth.
Communities form the foundation for long-term change. Religious bodies, local chiefs, and youth associations can help by creating safe spaces for open conversations about addiction.Faith-based organizations, for example, have been instrumental in promoting moral guidance and rehabilitation for drug users [8]. Community-based interventions, such as peer support groups and vocational programs, can help people recovering from addiction rebuild their confidence and reintegrate into society.
Civil society and local NGOs should also be actively involved. The African Union Action Plan encourages governments to partner with civil society groups to raise awareness, gather reliable data, and support vulnerable populations [8].
Access to affordable and effective treatment is another critical need. Many African countries have few rehabilitation centers, and those that exist are often located in major cities or poorly funded [8]. Expanding these centers and integrating drug counseling into regular healthcare services can make help more accessible. The ECOWAS Regional Action Plan recommends establishing community-based screening centers, vocational training for recovering users, and social rehabilitation facilities outside psychiatric hospitals [8]. Rehabilitation should focus on healing, not punishment, offering therapy, medical care, and life skills training to help individuals return to productive living. Integrating drug treatment with mental health and HIV/AIDS services can also ensure holistic care [8].
For real change, governments must back prevention and treatment programs with adequate funding and strong political will. Many countries, including Nigeria, have started national action plans to tackle trafficking and addiction, but more resources are needed to sustain them [8]. Policies should balance enforcement with compassion by punishing traffickers while treating users as patients, not criminals.
Governments need to strengthen research and data collection systems to better track drug use patterns and emerging trends. Reliable data helps identify high-risk groups, measure the effectiveness of existing interventions, and design evidence-based policies that truly meet community needs [8]. Without accurate information, responses to drug abuse risk being reactive rather than preventive, leaving gaps in public health planning and support services.
Recreational drug use in Africa is a growing challenge touching families, communities, and young people across the continent. From alcohol and cannabis to cocaine, heroin, and newer substances like meth and ecstasy, the impact goes beyond health, it affects education, jobs, safety, and the future of many youths.
While governments and agencies are making efforts through arrests, policies, and awareness programs, progress remains slow without stronger health systems, proper rehabilitation, and community support. Fighting drug abuse requires more than punishment, instead it calls for strong social and public health policies that focus on prevention, education, and rehabilitation.
Every parent, teacher, leader, and young person has a role to play. With honest conversations, early education, and better access to treatment, Africa can move from crisis to recovery, one community at a time.
Recreational substances are products that people use for pleasure or relaxation rather than for medical reasons. They can alter mood, perception, and behavior.
The most common include alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Cannabis remains the most widely used illicit substance.
Yes, alcohol is a recreational substance. However, it’s legal and socially accepted in most African societies.
They can get involved in peer education programs, awareness campaigns, and youth-focused initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and discourage drug use.
It often leads to family breakdown, loss of productivity, crime, and community instability. Many young people also drop out of school or become unemployed due to addiction.
1. Jatau AI, Sha’aban A, Gulma KA, Shitu Z, Khalid GM, Isa A, Wada AS and Mustapha M. The Burden of Drug Abuse in Nigeria: A Scoping Review of Epidemiological Studies and Drug Laws. Public Health Rev 2021;42:1603960. doi: 10.3389/phrs.2021.1603960. Available from here..
2. Oritsemuelebi B, Ben-Azu B, Ordinioha B, Orovwigho O, Asiwe JN, Chidebe EO, et al. Prevalence and determinants of recreational drug use and related health effects among youths. Emerging Trends in Drugs Addictions and Health, 2025;(5)100180. doi: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100180. Available from here.
3. Onaolapo OJ, Olofinnade AT, Ojo FO, Adeleye O, Falade J, Onaolapo AY. Substance use and substance use disorders in Africa: An epidemiological approach to the review of existing literature. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12(10): 1268-1286 doi: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i10.1268. Available from here.
4. Donatus WA, Adedia S, Benneh CK, Tandoh A, Amekyeh H, Ntelah EK, Nanga S, et al. Psychoactive Substance Use and Associated Factors among Students in a Ghanaian Tertiary Institution. Scientific African, 2024, pp. e02250–e02250, doi: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02250. Available from here..
5. Rafizadeh HA. Alcohol Sachets an Endemic Problem in Sub-Saharan Africa: Do the Alcohol Sachet Bans in Africa Achieve the Policy Goals on Access and Availability. Scholarly Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 2024, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 1020–1031, 000286, doi: 10.32474/SJPBS.2021.06.000286. Available from here.
6. Eno-Abasi S. From Recreation To Chronic Diseases, Poverty: How sachet alcoholic drinks breed alcoholism, thwart national devt. The Guardian Nigeria News , 2023, 17 Nov. Avaialable from here.
7. World Health Organization . Alcohol. WHO | Regional Office for Africa, [Internet, n.d.] , Accessed October 9, 2025. Available from here.
8. Obot, IS. Drugs in Africa [Internet, n.d.] Cited October 23, 2025. Available from here: .
9. Belete H, Yimer TM, Dawson D, Espinosa DC, Ambaw F, et al. Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use Disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta?Analysis. Addiction, 2024, 7 May. doi: 10.1111/add.16514. Available from here.
10. Adegbile OE, Adeniji OD, Amzat J, et al. E-cigarettes in Nigeria: A scoping review of evidence. Health Sci Rep. 2024 Apr 1;7(4). doi: 10.1002/hsr2.2074. Available from here.
11. Osborne A, James PB, Olorunsaiye CZ, et al. Cannabis use and its psychosocial correlates among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone. BMC Public Health 24, 986 (2024). doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-18491-0 Available from here.
12. Belete H, Mekonen T, Espinosa DC, et al. Cannabis Use in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Addiction, 2023, vol. 118, no. 7. doi: 10.1111/add.16170. Available from here. .
13. Oluwole V. Exploring Cannabis Trends: Top 10 African Nations by Usage. [Internet] Business Insider Africa, 17 Aug. 2023. [Accessed 6 Oct. 2025]..Available from here.
14. Hodgman-Korth M. Crack vs cocaine: what’s the difference between crack & cocaine? American Addiction Centers May 8 2025. [Accessed 7 Oct. 2025]. Available from here.
15. United Nations. World_Drug_Report_2024. United Nations : UNODC West and Central Africa, June 26, 2024. [Accessed 7 Oct. 2025]. Available from here. .
16. Wikipedia . Illegal Drug Trade. Wikipedia.org, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., Last updated: 11 Oct. 2025. [Accessed 31 Oct. 2025]. Available from here.
17. Dalatou M, Thompson J. The West African Sahel Is Becoming a Drug Smuggling Corridor, UN Warns, as Seizures Skyrocket. AP News, Updated 19 Apr. 2024. [Accessed 6 Oct. 2025]. Available from here.
18. Onohuean H, Oosthuizen F. The Burden of Unlawful Use of Opioid and Associated Epidemiological Characteristics in Africa: A Scoping Review. PloS One, 2025; 20, (3), J p. e0317036. Available from here.
19. Kurth AE, Cherutich P, Conover R, Chhun N, et al. The Opioid Epidemic in Africa and Its Impact. Current Addiction Reports, vol. 5, no. 4, 30 Oct. 2018, pp. 428–453.1107924824. doi:10.1007/s40429-018-0232-9. Abstract available from here. .
20. ADF. Heroin Abuse Fuels Public Health Crisis in Kenya 24 Dec. 2024, 9Accessed 7 Oct. 2025] Available from here
21. Esangbedo A. The Use of Methamphetamine in Nigeria. Trend and Threat Analysis. [Accessed 7 Oct. 2025].Available from here.
22, Obande-Ogbuinya NE, Aleke CO, Omaka-Amari LN, et al. Prevalence of Methamphetamine (Mkpurummiri) use in south east Nigeria: a community-based cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024;24, 2436. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-19921-9. Available from here.
23, Kane M. What Is Driving Nigeria’s Growing Meth Market? ISS Africa [Internet]. 2019 Sept 10 [Cited 2025 Oct 10]. Available from here.
24, Rigg KK and Sharp A. Nonmedical prescription drug use among African Americans who use MDMA (ecstasy/molly): Implications for risk reduction. Addict Behav 2018;79:159–165. doi:1016/j.addbeh.2017.12.024. Available from here.
25. National Institute on Drug Abuse. MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly). National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) [Internet]. 2024 Apr 19. [Accessed 7 Oct. 2025]. Available from here.
26. Rensburg V. The Rise of Party Drugs in South Africa: What Young Adults Need to Know. Recovery Centre [Internet]. 2025 Jun 23 . Available from here.
27. World Health Organization. Substance abuse. [Internet, n.d.] Accessed 7 Oct. 2025. Available from here
28. Emmanuel GO, Akinsolu FT, Abodunrin OR, Ezechi OC. Prevalence and patterns of substance use in West Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS Glob Public Health 2024;4(12):e0004019. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0004019, Available from here..
29. Mupara LM, Taperac R, Selemogwe-Matsetsea M, Kehumile TJ, Gaogane L, et al. Alcohol and Substance Use Prevention in Africa: Systematic Scoping Review. Journal of Substance Use 2021;27(4):1–17. doi: 10.1080/14659891.2021.1941356. Available from here.
Related resources:
Top 5 Abused Substances by Nigerian Youths
Alcohol Use Disorder in African Youths: Causes, Effects, and Response
Substance abuse in Nigeria: What you need to know
Published: Nobember 8, 2025
DATELINEHEALTH AFRICA INC., is a digital publisher for informational and educational purposes and
does not offer personal medical care and advice. If you have a medical problem needing routine or
emergency attention, call your doctor or local emergency services immediately, or visit the nearest
emergency room or the nearest hospital. You should consult your professional healthcare provider before
starting any nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical or wellness program mentioned or referenced in the
DatelinehealthAfrica website. Click here for more disclaimer notice.Disclaimer
