The Medical Administrator of the Presbyterian Psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Denis Bomansang Daliri, has raised alarm over the growing trend of drug and alcohol abuse among the youth, warning that the region faces a “silent mental health time bomb” if urgent steps are not taken. Speaking with Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen in a documentary titled “Swallowed by Drug”, Dr. Denis revealed that the majority of young patients admitted to his facility are battling substance abuse, often involving multiple drugs at once. “Currently, the majority of the patients we have, especially the youth, almost everyone admitted actually abuses one substance or the other. Most of them are polysubstance users – mixing alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, tramadol, and more,” he disclosed. Dr. Denis explained that many patients do not come to the hospital claiming they are abusing drugs. Instead, they often present with symptoms like insomnia, hallucinations, or hearing voices. “A person may actually be abusing substances but might not come because of it. They might come because they can’t sleep, or they’re hearing voices. Through our assessment, we’re able to tell them, ‘OK, so you are abusing substances, and this is the reason why you are here,’” he said. He added that the presentations vary depending on the drug: some patients arrive in acute intoxication, others in painful withdrawal, while others may show no symptoms at all but still have long-term dependency. Highlighting the mental health consequences, Dr. Denis noted that many of the substances abused are psychoactive, directly affecting the brain. “These substances play a very big role in destabilizing mental health. They affect your ability to think, your behavior, and in some cases, they trigger psychosis,” he warned. He cited marijuana as an example, saying, “With cannabis, we see what is called cannabis-induced psychosis. The person begins to hallucinate, hear voices, and believe things no one else can see. If the drug is withdrawn, they may return to normal, but the more they continue, the more permanent the damage becomes.” For individuals with a family history of mental illness, he cautioned, the risks are even higher. “If such a person abuses drugs, it can easily trigger a mental health condition that might have otherwise remained hidden,” he explained. Dr. Denis described the youth as particularly vulnerable due to curiosity, peer pressure, and the easy availability of substances. “Their brains are still developing, so anything they get hooked on now, they may be hooked on for life,” he stressed. He also pointed to cultural practices that normalize alcohol consumption and weak border controls that make smuggling drugs easy. “In many places here, alcohol is not even seen as a problem. Young people can walk into a shop, pay, and buy it freely. Combine that with cannabis and cigarettes at drinking spots, and it becomes a deadly mix,” he said. To address the crisis, Dr. Denis emphasized a multi-pronged approach: Law Enforcement: “In our markets, you’ll find someone selling phone accessories but also dealing drugs. Even scrap dealers sell tramadol. Law enforcement must tackle this head-on, and our borders must be secured.” Awareness Creation: “We assume young people know the dangers, but many don’t. Education must start from primary school to prepare their minds before they are introduced to these substances.” Treatment over Punishment: “Substance abuse should not be seen only as a behavioral crime. By the time someone becomes addicted, it has become a biological problem. Arresting and jailing addicts only worsens their plight. What they need is treatment, not punishment.” Rehabilitation Centers: “If someone in the Upper East wants help, they shouldn’t have to travel to Kumasi or Accra. Government must expand rehabilitation centers regionally to make help accessible.” Dr. Denis also cautioned against stigmatizing addicts, noting that rejection only pushes them deeper into addiction. “When we stigmatize and condemn them, they go back to drugs for comfort. But when we accept and support them, they find solace and are more likely to quit,” he advised. He concluded with a strong warning that ignoring the problem will have dire consequences for families and society. “Substance abuse is a silent mental health time bomb. If we don’t strengthen awareness, treatment, and law enforcement now, the cost will be unbearable tomorrow.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com