ISSUP Nigeria Knowledge Update Series (26th Session): The Role of Family in Substance Use Prevention

ISSUP Nigeria would like to invite you to the 25th session of its bi-monthly webinar in the Knowledge Update Series. This webinar will focus on the topic of 'The Role of Family in Substance Use Prevention'.

Date: 30th January 2025

Time: 3:00 PM WAT | 2:00 PM London

Register for the Webinar

This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the role of family in substance use prevention in Nigeria. Key aspects covered include:

• The Role of Family in Socialising Youth
• Family Dynamics and Substance Use 
• Risk and Protective Factors for Substance Use
• Early Detection and Intervention 
• Overview of Evidence-Based Approaches in Family-Involved Substance Use Prevention
• Support for Drug Using Family Members

Discussion Topics:

• How can families create a supportive environment that encourages open communication about substance use?
• What role do parental relationships play in shaping a child's attitudes towards substance use?
• What are some effective ways parents can monitor their child's activities and friendships to prevent substance use? 
• What role do parental expectations and values play in shaping a child's decisions about substance use?
• What are some common risk factors for substance use in families, and how can they be addressed?
• How can families promote protective factors, such as resilience and coping skills, to reduce the risk of substance use?
• What role do mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, play in substance use, and how can families support mental health?

Interactive Elements:

• Polls/Surveys: Brief polls on participants’ familiarity or experiences on the risk and protective factors for substance use.
• Q&A Session: Opportunities for participants to ask questions after key sections to foster engagement and clarify any points.

Relevance and Significance:

• This presentation addresses a major aspect of prevention of substance use in Nigeria. Substance problems are a significant concern in Nigeria. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), approximately 14.4% of the Nigerian population (4.3 million people) use psychoactive substances. Research has consistently shown that family plays a crucial role in substance use prevention. Family involvement has been shown to reduce the risk of substance use among children and adolescents. Even in situations where substance use has been initiated, or even at the onset of dependence, the family plays a very important role in seeking and staying in treatments as well as their recovery journey. Positive family relationships, effective parenting, and family-based prevention programs can reduce the risk of substance use among youth.

Target Audience:

• Public health professionals, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders, ISSUP members.

Learning Outcomes:

Following this webinar, participants will be able to:
 

1. Evaluate the role of family dynamics and relationships in preventing substance use, supported by evidence-based research.

2. Identify and assess specific risk and protective factors influencing substance use within family settings.

3. Analyse the scope and components of effective substance use prevention strategies.

4. Apply knowledge of evidence-based family intervention programs to design or enhance substance use prevention initiatives.

Presenter:

Dr. Oluseyi Odewale

Dr. Oluseyi Odewale holds a Ph.D. in Guidance and Counselling and is the Head of Research at The Shelter Youth and Community Network. She has extensive expertise in fostering healthy relationships and promoting emotional well-being in people. Dr. Oluseyi is dedicated to creat ing safe spaces where children and teens can thrive both socially and academically.

As a certified national trainer, Dr. Odewale delivers evidence-based drug prevention trainings such as the Universal Prevention Curriculum for Substance Use (UPC), Child Intervention for Living Drug-Free (CHILD), UNODC School Drug Education, and the Global Resilience Oral Workshop (GROW STRONG AND GROW FREE), and a faith-based resilience-building initiative. Her specialization in school, family, and community prevention interventions has enabled her to train teachers and school administrators on cultivating positive and compassionate learning environments.

An ardent advocate for children, Dr. Odewale brings decades of experience working with young people of all ages. She is a published author, with her best-selling parenting book Bringing out the Best in Your Child highly regarded for its practical insights. She is a member of professional organizations such as the Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria (APROCON) and the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), solidifying her commitment to her field. 

Moderators:

Dr. Martin O. Agwogie
Director, ISSUP Nigeria Chapter 

Ejikeme M. Ogueji
Head, Editorial and Webinar Team, ISSUP Nigeria Chapter

References:

• Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme Training Series: Universal Prevention Curriculum for Substance Use Prevention (UPC) Practitioners Series (2020 

• The International Standards on Drug Use Prevention, UNODC (2018)

• Velleman R.D, Templeton L.J, Copello A.G. (2005). The role of the family in preventing and intervening with substance use and misuse: a comprehensive review of family interventions, with a focus on young people. Drug Alcohol Rev.;24(2):93-109. doi: 10.1080/09595230500167478. PMID: 16076580.

• Watters, N & Byrne, D. (2004). The role of family support services in drug prevention: a National Advisory Committee on Drugs: report

Webinars and online events delivered and hosted by the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) are provided for informational purposes only. They are educational in nature and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.