Tema: The Tema Executive Lions Club, in collaboration with the Tema General Hospital's Mental Health Unit, has engaged students of the Labone Senior High School on drugs and substance abuse to curb the menace among the youth.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Getrude Etornam Lumor, the Mental Health Coordinator for Tema General Hospital, emphasized that drug and substance abuse involves the unprescribed intake of medication or overdosing on prescribed medication. She noted that such abuse leads to substance dependence, characterized by physiological adaptation and withdrawal symptoms.
Madam Lumor highlighted that marijuana abuse, particularly due to its tetrahydrocannabinol content, over-activates brain function, leading to impaired memory and behavior. She stressed that adolescents, whose brains are still developing, are particularly vulnerable, as drug abuse can result in cognitive malfunctions that affect decision-making and perception.
Peer pressure, curiosity, and lack of guidance are primary reasons students indulge in substance abuse, explained Madam Lumor. She warned that drugs like cannabis, marijuana, and helium are being mixed into everyday foods such as shito, toffees, biscuits, drinks, and kenkey, urging students to be vigilant about their food sources.
She encouraged students to support peers struggling with substance issues by reporting to school authorities rather than stigmatizing them, ensuring they receive necessary help.
In an interview, Dr. Rejoice Lawer Letsa, the Charter President of the Tema Executive Lions Club, stated that drug abuse is detrimental to youth, which prompted the club's engagement. The initiative aims to educate and counsel students, the nation's future leaders, to prevent substance abuse.
Dr. Letsa warned that casual experimentation with drugs often escalates into a difficult trap, harming academic performance, health, family, and even costing lives. She emphasized the importance of providing students with information, education, and guidance to help them make informed life choices.
She urged teachers, parents, and guardians to model positive behavior and provide safe spaces for students to discuss their challenges, rather than seeking advice from peers. Dr. Letsa also advised students to set goals and seek mentorship to achieve their aspirations.
Madam Rejoice Akua Acorlor, Headmistress of Labone Senior High School, expressed gratitude to the Tema Executive Lions Club and Tema General Hospital for their informative session. She acknowledged the efforts of the school's counseling department in educating students on substance abuse and welcomed further engagement from other organizations to raise awareness on these critical issues.
