Emerging substances of abuse and cheap highs among Nigerian youths

Substance use among Nigerian youths has become a significant public health concern. The narrative review examines the trends and emerging substance use among Nigerian youths, highlighting the use of conventional and unconventional substances. Data were collected from academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, media outlets and national newspapers using keywords such as “unconventional substance use in Nigeria,” “youth drug abuse,” and “emerging substances”. The results showed a disturbing trend of using unusual substances: fermented urine, lizard dung, pit-latrine gas, gutter water, boiled sanitary pads, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). To account for this trend, socioeconomic deprivation, peer influence, curiosity, and attempts at self-medication of depression are considered. The health consequences are serious and involve neurotoxicity, respiratory failure, endocrine disruption, and even death. The proliferation of unconventional “cheap highs” reflects deep socioeconomic and mental health crises among Nigerian youths. This further calls for multi-sectoral interventions, public awareness campaigns, policy reforms targeting substance use, and expanded rehabilitation services. Unusual substances are now abused by Nigerian youths. These include fermented urine, lizard dung, pit-latrine gas, gutter water, boiled sanitary pads, and nitrous oxide. Socioeconomic deprivation, peer influence, and adventures in self-medication to manage depression are some of the causative factors. These abuses are inundated with serious public health consequences.