| Abstract: |
Drug abuse remains a critical public health crisis globally and in
Nigeria, with the World Health Organisation estimating over 35
million people worldwide suffering from drug use disorders, and
Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency reporting that
14.4% of the population aged 15-64 years have used drugs. There
has been an alarming rise in substance abuse, including cannabis,
tramadol, codeine, and methamphetamine, among people, while
traditional prevention methods such as school programs, media
campaigns, and community outreach have shown limited
effectiveness in engaging tech-savvy youth populations. This study
aimed to examine the prerequisites for adopting Artificial
Intelligence (AI) in drug abuse education and prevention. The
research employed the desktop research methodology. It analysed
existing studies, reports, and theoretical frameworks related to AI
applications in substance abuse prevention. The study identified
seven critical prerequisites for successful AI adoption: robust digital
literacy and youth-centred engagement, inclusive data
infrastructure, technological and infrastructural readiness,
comprehensive policy support and ethical frameworks, culturally
responsive and localised AI systems, multi-stakeholder
collaboration and capacity building, and continuous evaluation with
algorithmic transparency. It submitted that while AI-powered
solutions offer significant potential for personalised interventions,
early detection capabilities, and engaging educational platforms that
can address the limitations of traditional prevention methods, their
success is contingent upon coordinated planning, substantial
investment, and commitment across multiple sectors. The study
concluded that AI represents a transformative tool for enhancing
drug abuse prevention efforts among youths, but requires systematic
preparation and implementation of these prerequisites to create
safer, healthier communities and more effective prevention
strategies.
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