Drug abuse, a present danger for youth

@judd_leonard Everyone is at risk of becoming a substance abuser, but they just don’t know it yet.

That’s what advocates are warning, with a stern call on authorities to clamp down on supply, create awareness to stem vulnerability to substance abuse and provide means for anyone affected to seek rehabilitation.

The nongovernment group Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) is pushing efforts to increase awareness about the dangers of substance abuse to the future of Nigerians.

It comes amidst concerns that smoking spots are increasingly opening in corners that border on public school grounds and leave children vulnerable to being influenced by sight and association.

VGADA convened its first-ever sensitization meet on drug abuse on youths on July 18 and followed it on July 26 with an exploration into how girls are in particular vulnerable to drug abuse.

VGADA convener Dr Hope Omeiza said the prevalence of drug abuse is increasingly growing across all strata of society.

Oscar Ogedegbe, who has battled addiction and become a face for battling substance abuse said there are only three categories to addiction.

“While we war against prevailing terrorism, we must contend against breeding future terrorists and avenues of terrorism through a fight against drug abuse,” said Dr Mike Omotosho, founder of the self-named foundation which supports VGADA campaigns.

“Except we are prepared to have a marijuanised, Tramadolised, cocainized, Rophenolised mental future, then we must all arise and fight for a mentally healthy future,” he said.