The Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug
Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade has cautioned youths against
substance abuse and charged them to be dedicated to the pursuit of legitimate
goals in life.
Giade gave
the warning in Lagos as a proactive measure to sensitize youths on the dangers
of substance abuse as the world marks Valentine’s Day, February 14 this year.
The NDLEA boss said that drug abuse is not limited
to the use of illicit drugs but also includes the excessive use of licit drugs
like alcohol and cigarettes. “Let me call on youths to shun the use of drugs.
Apart from the use of illicit drugs, drug abuse also involves the excessive use
of legal drugs like alcohol and cigarettes. Official statistics have shown that
most people experiment with drugs during festive periods. They take drugs due
to ignorance, peer influence and the desire to be tipsy” Giade stated.
According to Giade, some people mistake enjoyment
for substance intoxication. In his words, “substance intoxication refers to disturbance
in behavior or mental function during or after the use of drugs. This is not
enjoyment because it can lead to poor health, accidents, premature deaths,
unsafe sex, drug addiction and traffic violation among others”.
The Chairman called on parents to monitor their
children closely to know their friends, detect drug use and seek early help. “I
want parents to be actively involved in the anti-narcotics campaign. This will
help to reduce cases of drug use among youths. While it is true that treatment
works, it is better to abstain from drug use” Giade stated.
He identified four stages of drug abuse to include,
experimental stage, occasional use, regular use and dependent use of drugs.
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