The use of artificial intelligence and digital systems is emerging as a method to understand, identify and respond to addiction, demonstrating technology’s capacity to aid public health initiatives, JUSTICE OKAMGBA writes.
Addiction, whether to substances or digital platforms, remains a pressing public health issue worldwide. In Nigeria, the government and technology experts are collaborating to leverage digital tools to detect and prevent addictive behaviours early, signalling a shift in how society addresses these challenges.
The Managing Director of the Nigeria Communications Satellite, Jane Egerton-Idehen, shared insights on this issue through a post on her Facebook page. She explained that technology, while celebrated for its ability to connect and inform, can also act as a gateway to harmful behaviours.
“We had to take his phone away. Not because of social media. Because of online gambling addiction,” she wrote. Egerton-Idehen described how such addictions can affect family relationships, personal finances and work performance, and how early intervention is critical to mitigating these risks.
In response to these concerns, Egerton-Idehen and her collaborators developed SBI, the Screening and Brief Identification Virtual Assistant. The platform, which was launched last week, is an AI-powered tool designed to support early detection of substance abuse risks, addiction patterns and mental health concerns. It represents a joint effort between the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, through the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Nigeria; the technology firm Publica AI; and experts from ISSUP Nigeria.
The SBI Virtual Assistant provides users with validated assessments to identify early signs of addiction, AI-powered guidance, and recommendations for licensed therapists and hospitals across Nigeria. User anonymity is prioritised, and all data is hosted locally at Nigeria’s National Data Centre, managed by Galaxy Backbone Limited. Phase one of the platform has been shared with the global ISSUP community, with plans for future enhancements including local language support Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa, as well as voice-to-text and text-to-voice interactions.
The initiative aims to address a growing recognition of technology’s dual role in addiction. While devices and platforms can enable addictive behaviours, they can also serve as tools for prevention and early intervention. As Egerton-Idehen noted, “Technology helped create some addictions. Now technology must help solve them.”
Egerton-Idehen encouraged the public to engage with the platform and provide feedback. “If you can, try the platform and share your feedback. You might also know someone who could benefit from it,” she wrote.
Experts and individuals with lived experience of addiction emphasise the complexity of the issue, particularly with gambling. Susan Walker, writing on Quora, highlighted the intensity of gambling addiction, describing it as a struggle that can lead to “incomprehensible demoralisation” and noting that recovery ultimately depends on an individual’s willingness to seek help and commit to stopping.
Another contributor, Patti Peterson, noted the difficulty of recognising gambling addiction: “It is more powerful than any drug or alcohol addiction. You can’t die from overdosing on gambling addiction, so it’s difficult for laypeople to recognise. You must research and learn the signs and nuances associated with the disease. Next, you must understand and identify triggers. The smallest smell, sound or visual cue can trigger a full-blown episode that can destroy the gambler and, more importantly, everyone surrounding him. There are few ways to help. Educate yourself. It’s a must that you protect yourself and the family financially and emotionally. You are vulnerable.”
Peterson emphasised that gambling addiction involves impulse control, which can override rational thought, and highlighted the importance of professional intervention and therapy.
The lived experiences of those affected by gambling addiction further illuminate the challenges individuals face.
Creative designer Paul Craft shared his personal experience with gambling addiction, saying he had struggled with the condition for nearly 25 years and described it as a mental compulsion rather than a physical dependency. He said his turning point came after losing his job, home and contact with his children, adding that “gambling is not a physical addiction but a mental one” and stressing the importance of understanding personal triggers that drive addictive behaviour.
Craft explained that recognising triggers, limiting access to financial tools and seeking structured daily routines are essential steps in managing addiction. “After it all, it takes one moment of weakness, which I have daily. One moment of letting your guard down and you’re back to square one. Be prepared to deal with relapses, as they will happen; treat them as a learning moment, but be honest and try to avoid the situation in the future,” he wrote.
The experiences shared by Walker, Peterson and Craft highlight the importance of multi-layered interventions: personal awareness, professional support and preventive technology.
SBI represents an effort to integrate these layers into a scalable digital platform, offering early detection, guidance and referral to licensed professionals.
The Nigerian government’s involvement ensures that SBI is deployed in line with national standards for digital infrastructure and data protection. By hosting data locally at the National Data Centre, managed by Galaxy Backbone Limited, the platform adheres to regulatory frameworks while safeguarding user privacy.
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