The fight against drug and alcohol abuse among the youth continues to dominate public health discussions, with worrying revelations emerging from the Upper East Region.
Gifty Chigayefin Damsongor, the Upper East Regional Mental Health Coordinator, has voiced deep concern about the alarming rise in substance use among young people and its devastating impact on their mental health, education, and family life.
She made this important call in a documentary titled “Swallowed by Drugs produced by Apexnewsgh.”
“There are a lot of substances the youth are experimenting with, but the most common ones we encounter are alcohol, cannabis, and tramadol,” she explained. “Tramadol comes in different forms, T25, Tramadol 500, and is being misused heavily. On top of that, we now see shisha, nicotine, and even e-cigarettes, which are used in a way that makes it difficult for parents and guardians to detect.”
According to Madam Damsongor, many young people underestimate the risks of substances such as energy drinks, which they consume excessively without realizing the long-term consequences.
“Some youths don’t consider energy drinks as psychoactive substances. They think they are just normal drinks. But over time, they become addicted without even knowing it,” she said. “Addiction means you are aware of the dangers, yet you cannot stop. That’s when the substance begins to control your brain’s pleasure system.”
“You start with a little alcohol and feel the effect. But with time, that same amount no longer satisfies you, so you increase the dose. Before long, you may need 10 bottles to feel what one bottle gave you initially. At that point, the substance has hijacked your brain’s dopamine system.”
Madam Damsongor also highlighted how social media and celebrity lifestyles fuel substance abuse.
“The youth are curious and easily influenced. When they see adverts for alcohol or celebrities using substances, they are tempted to experiment. Musicians, for example, often rely on substances to overcome stage anxiety. But that performance habit quickly becomes an addiction that extends beyond the stage.”
She emphasized that addiction is not only about drugs or alcohol. “We now see behavioral addictions, gambling, pornography, compulsive lying, and even stealing. Some people are addicted to these behaviors in the same way others are addicted to drugs.”
“If you’re a responsible and observant parent, you will notice changes. A once-friendly child may suddenly become withdrawn, easily irritated, restless, or perform poorly in school. Some may even experience hallucinations, seeing things that are not real.”
She cautioned parents against rushing to prayer camps without medical intervention.
“Even if you believe there are spiritual causes, you must first tackle the physical. At the facility, we can run substance tests, detoxify the system, and provide psychotherapy. Afterwards, if you want prayers, you can add that, but ignoring medical treatment is dangerous.”
Damsongor recounted how peer and family influences expose children to substance use at a young age.
“In many homes, alcohol is kept openly, and children are even sent to buy it. Out of curiosity, they try it, and before long, they are hooked. In other cases, peers introduce them to smoking or drugs. Sadly, I have seen lives destroyed because of what started as mere experimentation.”
She called for urgent steps to integrate mental health education into schools to prevent future crises.
“If the Ghana Education Service introduces mental health lessons at the JHS and SHS levels, it will help. Students must learn early about the dangers and consequences of substance abuse so they can make informed choices.”
“Substance abuse can destroy your health, your education, and your future. If you find yourself addicted, whether to a substance or a behavior, seek help. Mental health experts are available in every district and community. We are here to help you recover and reclaim your life.”
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
