Drug abuse: Stakeholders call for behavioural change, govt intervention

Illicit drug use among young people has been described as a major public health concern that requires urgent attention.

Drug abuse is the excessive or addictive use of drugs for no medical purpose.

There are several factors that influence the abuse of drugs among youths, some of which includes peer pressure, child abuse and more.

Addressing journalists at an awareness campaign walk in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the commandant of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, stated that illicit substance abuse is not unconnected with ill vices among youths in the country.

A human rights advocate, Emmanuel Akpanette who focuses on rights and health of girls and women who use injection drugs says he employs a behavioural change approach in his interventions.

A drug abuse survivour, Esther Asuquo advised other victims against drug abuse and how it destroys life.

The theme for this year’s event is clear; invest in prevention.

Drug abuse has eaten deep into the fabric of society. Experts say its mental health effect, socio- economic loss and associated ill vices cannot be over-emphasised . Hence the need for intensified collaborations among stakeholders to stem the tide.