Perceptions of Law Enforcement Personnel and Public Health Professionals on Synthetic Drug Use in Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Nigeria is one of the countries in the world severely impacted by synthetic drug production and use, yet lacks fundamental understanding of the synthetic drug market, how many people use, and how much they use. AIMS: The aims of this study were to (1) assess the level of knowledge of law enforcement personnel and public health professionals regarding synthetic drugs; (2) assess the perception of the two groups on the risk of synthetic drug use (SDU); (3) compare reports of the two groups on the commonly used synthetic drugs, common users, and sources of these drugs; (4) assess perceived underlying reasons for SDU; (5) assess the perception of the two groups on legalization of SDU and naloxone to prevent overdose related consequences. METHODS: Both open and closed-ended questions were used to survey law enforcement personnel (N = 70) and public health professionals (N = 70) in six states across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria and the federal capital territory. RESULTS: All participants had heard of synthetic drugs. Majority of the sample described SDU as “extremely risky”. Consequences fell into four categories: physical health problems, mental health difficulties, consequences related to substance misuse, and societal consequences. Both groups identified youth as the main users of synthetics. Individual-level factors, economic forces, peer influences, other social environmental factors, and media were noted as risk factors for SDU. Endorsement for the legalization of synthetic drugs was low, and beliefs that naloxone should be available to those on the front lines of the synthetic drug crisis were variable. CONCLUSION: This data may be used to inform preventive interventions and policy to reduce SDU in Nigeria.