This indeed calls for urgent action to address it. People will agree that substance abuse is associated with a surge in crimes by youth as seen in the country in the recent past.
And most often, these youth under the influence of drugs engaged in acts that even in their normal state of mind wouldn’t dare to venture into.
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, prostitution most of the time involving our youth and even by extension committing violent crimes. This among others goes to show the social and impact of overarching problems often linked to adolescent substance abuse.
In our yesterday’s edition, we published an article in which the National Taskforce for Drug and Substance Abuse – ‘Kush’ has released a report indicating 19 new clinical cases related to ‘kush’ – a newly discovered dangerous drug substance – has been reported from Health facilities bringing the total to 113 cases – 20% increase in the last three weeks.
The said article stated that in early February 2024, the Epidemiology and Disease Control (EDC) Programme was notified of an upsurge in cases of suspected drug and substance abuse known locally as “Kush” in western-1 health region. All the cases presented with pain, swollen tongue and lips, drooling saliva, and restlessness. As of 24th June 2024, 113 cases and 11 associated deaths were reported with a case fatality rate of 9.7% in The Gambia.
This disclosure is indeed scary looking at the growing involvement of youth in substance abuse. In view of this reality, the government, parents and guardians among others, have a role to play in empowering the country’s youths to be active players in national development and not seen as a burden.
Let’s remember that 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.
It is a well-established fact that drugs can ruin a country, while drug abuse counts among the leading agents of destruction in many societies.
Drug abuse can wreak untold havoc on the individual, the families and even the society at large.
When one is addicted to illicit drugs, one is in effect 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!