Rising Drug Abuse Among Youths Fuelling Kidney, Liver Diseases

A consultant pathologist at the Lagos State University College of Medicine/Teaching Hospital has expressed concern over the increasing abuse of drugs and unregulated herbal concoctions among Nigerian youths, warning that the trend is contributing to a surge in kidney, liver, and heart diseases at younger ages.

Speaking on the dangers of drug misuse, Prof. Faduyile told LEADERSHIP that most drugs taken into the body are metabolised by the liver and excreted through the kidneys, making both organs highly vulnerable to damage.

“Every drug that one takes has to pass through the kidney, except for a few that are excreted through feces. Once a drug is injurious to the kidney, it gradually damages it until it packs up. The same applies to the liver, which is the body’s main metabolic organ,” he said.

He expressed concern over the widespread use of poorly regulated herbal drugs and alternative medicines sold across kiosks and streets, noting that many of them contain unknown or harmful substances. “Today, we have had almost total deregulation of herbal drugs. Many of these concussions are injurious to the liver and kidney, and unfortunately, they are easily accessible to everyone,” he added.

Prof. Faduyile also warned that drug abuse among youths has worsened, with substances such as tramadol, and various stimulants becoming commonplace. According to him, these drugs not only impair vital organs over time but also predispose young people to hypertension, heart failure, and strokes at much earlier ages.

He called for increased public awareness, strict regulation of herbal and alternative medicines, vaccination against hepatitis, and routine medical testing to detect liver and kidney damage early.