#Editorial

Youth & drug abuse!

Dec 12, 2025, 2:06 PM

Illicit drug abuse is becoming a serious problem in The Gambia.

It is sad that most of the victims fall within the youth folks; the most energetic segment of any nation to help drive economic development and social progress.

This indeed calls for urgent action to address it. Studies have revealed that substance abuse is largely associated with a surge in crimes, as most of those who abuse the substance are not in good state of mind.

And most often, these youth under the influence of drugs resort to actions that put them in danger and those around them.

Let’s bear in mind that youth are the future of this nation and as such, we owe a great debt to help in good upbringing to be active contributors and not burden.

Schooling them to be agents of change would also enable them to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development endeavour.

Thus, as a large community we all have a role to play in preparing them for tomorrow.

Recently, we have all seen an alarming surge in drug trafficking and prostitution, and most of the time committing violent crimes.

This among others goes to show the social and impact of overarching problems often linked to adolescent substance abuse.

Youth by virtue of their exposure to embracing alien lifestyle and peer influence are the most vulnerable when it comes to drug abuse and, as a result, sadly, they always pay the price for this bad habit.

Sadly, illicit drugs can ruin a country as its abusers are regarded among the leading agents of destruction in many societies.

Apart from wreaking untold havoc on the individual, the families and even the society at large, it is said that when one is addicted to illicit drugs, the individual is trapped in vice and personal deterioration.

From general observation, one’s health declines, first gradually and then at a rapid pace, and you become a big liability to society.

Therefore, let’s not relent on our laurels. We call on authorities, parents and guardians to stand firm and amplify their vices against drug abuse in the country.

Let’s always endeavour to provide alternative constructive ways to guide youths passing through their time.

Sadly, looking around town, one would attest to the fact that there is a significant surge in the number of youth loitering on the street, perhaps mentally disturbed. This tells us about the effects of substance abuse on the population.

What is bad about drug abuse is that it is a great cause of mental disorder among youths and, therefore, it calls for serious action to address the menace.

Let’s not relent. Each one, teach one!