Increase In Intake Of Alcohol And Drug Abuse Among The Youth

Dr Franklin Akwasi Binney, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Royal Kingdom Security Network has observed that most teenagers in second and tertiary institutions were engaged in alcoholism and drug abuse.

He pointed out that available statistics indicated that about 80 per cent of teenagers involved in alcoholism and drug abuse early had adverse effects on their health.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani, he noted that the brains of the adolescent and young adults were not fully developed therefore, too much intake of alcohol and drug abuse put them at risk.

He said teenagers who persistently indulged in alcoholism and drug abuse often experienced an array of problems, including academic difficulties and health related problems including mental health.

Others are declining grades, absenteeism and increased potential for dropping out of school, low level of commitment to education and higher truancy rate.

Dr Binney said some teenagers involved in alcohol and drug abuse faced increased risk of death through suicide, homicide, accident and illness.

He said marijuana and other drugs taken during pregnancy would result in increased risk of neuro-behavioral problems in babies and could also affect the brain of foetus, personal and family distress, additional health cost and lost of productivity in the community.

Dr Binney said peer pressure and curiosity were the main causes of early alcoholic intake and drug abuse, and advised the youth to stay away from such habits and rather work hard towards their future

GNA