Families must assist drug addicts - NARCOB

Ms Ellen Addai, Head of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit of the Western Regional Narcotics Control Board, has called on families to assist in the fight against drug abuse by taking proper care of users.

She said drug addicts would continue to be part of society adding, “It is our responsibility to show them love, support and help them come out of the menace”.

Ms Addai said this at a community sensitization forum for the Amanful area of the central business district of Takoradi- an area known for the rising rates of drug use, teenage pregnancy and other social vices.

She said serious addiction would not only require counseling but behavioral and medicinal therapy to help the addicts.

Ms Addai said the effects of drugs on the individual and its impact on society required society joining hands with the NARCOB in curbing the drug menace adding, “Promoting a healthy and drug free communities must be a shared responsibility”.

Rev. Mark Aidoo, a member of Teen Challenge, a Non-Governmental Organisation called on adults to serve as mentors and guide the young ones away from drug usage.

“I grew up in this Amanful area, but the adults in those days helped us. They would sack you from these hideouts and you will not dare to attempt the second time,” he said.

Mr William Danquah, Leader of Teen Challenge, said drug and alcohol abuse accounted for 5.5 percent of the global disease burden and in Ghana, four out of ten school children used one drug or another.

Mr Ernest Quansah, Regional Director of Food and Drugs Authority, said drugs and alcohol abuse was not the solution to life’s problems and issues and entreated users to seek help.

Participants at the forum called for a ban on the importation of cigar, hard drugs and other alcoholic beverages as well as local production of alcohol as key control measures to drugs and substance abuse.