Psychiatrists have raised alarm over the increasing rate of drug abuse among youths, impacting their mental well-being.
This concern was voiced during the 3rd edition of the Dr Taiwo Adamson annual debate and mental wellness event organized by the Association of Resident Doctors at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Former Provost and Medical Director of Aro Hospital, Mrs Taiwo Adamson, disclosed that a significant number of patients admitted to her private hospital are linked to drug use, primarily addictive disorders.
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She highlighted the worrisome trend of youths synthesizing drugs like Indian hemp in laboratories, mentioning a synthetic form known as “Colorado” being used extensively.
Dr. Adamson expressed concern about the impact of drug abuse on mental health, stating that many young people experience abnormal behavior due to the quick messages sent between the brain and body by substances like methamphetamines.
Dr Kunle Ashimi, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Ogun State, and Dr Abayomi Olajide, Secretary-General of the Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria, emphasized the need for government intervention in combating drug abuse.
They called for collaborative efforts involving Non-Governmental Organizations and the medical community, urging the government to take decisive action.
Dr. Ashimi commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for its efforts, citing recent drug seizures exceeding N100 billion in value.
Expressing concerns about the potential danger posed by individuals on drugs to the community due to their “disinhibited behavior,”
Dr. Olajide urged the government to declare drug abuse as an epidemic.
He noted that substance abuse-related cases accounted for a significant proportion of patients in conventional hospitals, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts to address the issue.
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