Illicit drug abuse has emerged as a pervasive global issue, particularly among the youth, with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and society at large. The ease of access to harmful substances, coupled with the pressures of modern life, has fueled a troubling rise in drug use among young people.
Commonly abused substances
Among the most frequently abused drugs by youth today are marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription opioids. These substances, when used outside the supervision of certified medical practitioners, can lead to physical dependence, addiction, and a host of health complications.
Root causes of youth drug abuse
Drug abuse among young people is often driven by a complex mix of factors, including peer pressure, emotional stress, mental health challenges, sexual enhancement, and unstable family dynamics. Many youths turn to drugs as a coping mechanism for trauma or emotional pain.
Research conducted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) indicates that drug abuse affects youth across various age groups, with late adolescence to early adulthood being the most vulnerable period.
A 25-year-old marijuana user in Keta, who spoke anonymously to GNA, shared his experience:
“I started using ganja at age nine. A friend introduced me to it in primary school. Now, I sometimes use harder drugs like opioids. It gives me strength to work long hours.”
He revealed that substances are readily available in local joints such as ghettos, drinking bars, and even drug stores across the Keta Municipality.
Investigations also uncovered that some academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students—many of whom have dropped out or are unable to continue their education—resort to drug use as a form of escape.
Health impacts and expert insight
Mr. Che Sorkpor, a Mental Health Practitioner at the Keta Municipal Hospital, warned of the severe physical and psychological effects of drug abuse, including organ damage, overdose risk, and mental health disorders.
“Some drugs may be prescribed in hospitals for specific illnesses, but they should never be sold or used outside medical supervision,” he emphasized.
He urged parents and community members to play active roles in guiding and disciplining youth to prevent them from falling prey to harmful influences.
NGOs and community efforts
In Ghana, several NGOs are working to combat substance abuse among youth.
Statistics show that approximately 50,000 people are drug users, with 35,000 being students aged 12 to 35. Alarmingly, nearly 50 per cent of youth mental health cases are linked to drug use.
Organizations such as Total Life Enhancement Centre (TOLEC) Ghana, PADDI Foundation, Youth Against Alcoholism and Drug Dependency (YADD), ActionAid Ghana, Green Africa Youth Organization, Stowelink, and Value Health Africa are actively involved in education and rehabilitation efforts.
Social and economic consequences
The ripple effects of drug abuse extend beyond health. It contributes to increased healthcare costs, reduced productivity, and strains law enforcement resources.
Many students in basic, secondary, and tertiary institutions have become dependent on drugs, impairing their ability to function without them.
Tackling the crisis
Addressing youth drug abuse requires a multifaceted approach:
Education and awareness: Schools and communities must implement robust awareness programmes.
Law enforcement: Agencies like the Police and Ghana Immigration Service must crack down on drug trafficking and illegal sales.
Regulation: The Food and Drugs Authority must monitor drug sources and collaborate with national security forces to dismantle ghettos.
Policy and collaboration
Government policies should support prevention, treatment, and harm reduction, with active involvement from healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders.
Ghana’s key statistics
Prevalence: 50,000 drug users in Ghana; 35,000 are students aged 12–35.
Substance abuse: Shisha (48%), Tramadol (24%), Marijuana (8.2%), Cocaine (3.8%) and lately RED.
Age of initiation: 60% began between ages 15–17; 12% between 12–14.
Sources: 79.8% obtained drugs from friends; 8.2% from dealers; 12% stole them.
Effects: 88.4% believe drug abuse has long-term consequences.
Help-seeking: 58.4% know support centers exist, but only 41.6% are willing to seek help.
Enforcement and convictions
The Narcotics Control Commission seized: 8,704 kg of illicit drugs in 2020; 15,458 kg in 2021 and 59,900 kg in 2022.
Convictions: Seven in 2020; 12 in 2021 and 13 in 2022.
Global perspective
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over global drug abuse trends and is working with countries like Ghana to promote education, treatment, and evidence-based policies.
Community voices
Residents of Keta lament the impact of drug abuse on local youth, citing increased theft, arguments, and violence. They call for stricter by-laws and government intervention to provide resources and promote healthy lifestyles.
Conclusion
Drug abuse is a complex issue that demands a comprehensive response. Through collaboration among governments, NGOs, communities, and families, society can help prevent drug abuse, support affected individuals, and ensure that young people have the opportunity to thrive.
Meanwhile, Mr. George Opare Addo, Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, revealed that a recent survey found 12 per cent of tertiary students abuse cocaine, 11 per cent use heroin, and 59 per cent consume weed edibles.
By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Source: GNA
Source: ghanabusinessnews.com
