Substance abuse among the youth is alarming – Psychiatry expert warns

A specialist psychiatrist at the Madina Polyclinic, Rev. Dr. Joseph Kofi Aidoo, has issued a warning on the growing trend of substance abuse among Ghanaian youth. He emphasised that failure to implement measures to curb the prevalent use of illicit drugs among young people could burden the state significantly.

Speaking as a guest on the Asaase Breakfast Show, monitored by GhanaWeb, Dr. Aidoo highlighted the dangers of substance addiction and its adverse effects on both the individual and society at large. He cited an example of some high school students captured on video abusing drugs.

"We had an outbreak of Rufunol (sedative), a banned substance, in a particular secondary school where three or four cases were identified through positive testing. Additionally, there's a rising trend of mixing alcohol with cannabis, consumption of hot air balloons, and use of amphetamines," Dr. Aidoo stated.

He further expressed concern about the escalating use of substances among the youth, warning that failure to address this issue could lead to a crisis. Dr. Aidoo stressed the risk of reaching a state of dependence known as addiction through substance use.

Under Ghana's new amended drug policy, illicit drug use is subject to a fine ranging from GH₵2,400 to GH₵6,000, replacing the previous punishment of imprisonment.

EAN/ ADG

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