Rev. Dr. Michael Kofi Aidoo, Director of Mental Health at Madina Polyclini, has called on Ghanaians to refrain from drug use to avoid mental illness and promote longevity.
This plea coincided with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, aimed at raising awareness and advocating against substance abuse.
Rev. Dr. Michael Kofi Aidoo highlighted the alarming rise in mental illness attributed to the widespread availability of drugs such as tramadol and painkillers.
These medications, originally prescription-only, are now easily accessible over the counter, contributing to their misuse among the population.
Dr. Aidoo noted that youth are particularly vulnerable, influenced by portrayals in media and peer pressure in schools.
To combat this trend, he emphasized ongoing public awareness campaigns in schools to educate about the health risks of drug abuse and promote abstinence.
Furthermore, Dr. Aidoo urged governmental and law enforcement agencies to advocate for stricter policies against drug imports, emphasizing the need for punitive measures against offenders.
Source | Ayaaba Christopher (Uniik News).
