Head of Department, Mental Health, University of Benin, Dr. Ehigiator Adayanfo, has condemned the high rate of substance abuse by children and adolescents, which is leading to depression among youths.
He made the condemnation during a seminar organized by the Institute of Child Health, UNIBEN/UBTH, in Benin City, where he noted that substance abuse is a disease that destroys the brain and must be prevented by everyone in the society.
He said prevention from substance abuse requires the cooperation of every one and it occurs at multiple levels – individual, family, peers, schools, religious institutions, hospitals, legal systems, mass media, and government.
According to Dr. Adayanfo, who is also a consultant, psychiatrist, UBTH/UNIBEN, “Drug abuse has negative impact on physical and mental health, which leads to addiction, impairs cognitive function, strains social relationships with family, friends and colleagues, and leads to legal and financial problems and can also lead to accidents as well as death, especially in cases of overdose.
“Substance abuse alter brain function (and structure) leading to changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition or behaviour and 20-40 percent of substance abuse have been reported in children in Nigeria, highlighting the extent of the problem in the country.
“The younger a person is at the commencement of substance use, the higher the likelihood of untoward effects. Abused substances include but are not limited to alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, inhalants, sedatives, hallucinogens, opioids and others.”
He said protective factors include strong family bonds, parental monitoring, good school achievement and love for family, school and religious organizations, adding that signs that a child may have started abusing a substance include – changes in behaviour, sudden mood swings, altered sleep pattern, decline in academic performance, changes in social circles, neglecting responsibilities, changes in appetite and blood shot eyes.
The chairman of the occasion, Professor (Mrs) Ose Aihie, Ag. Director, Students Guidance and Counselling Centre, advised children and adolescents to stay away from things that can destroy their lives, noting that prevention is better than cure.
Earlier, the Director, Institute of Child Health, Professor (Mrs) Ayebo Sadoh, expressed appreciation to the invited guests for participating in the seminar, noting that the Institute will continue to educate and sensitize the public on the various heath issues as they affect the society.
The seminar, which had the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Professor Wilson Sadoh, Professor Eregie, and the Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady, Dr. Bridget Okoeguale, in attendance featured robust discussions during the question and answer session, which further emphasized the role of parents in preventing the menace of substance abuse.
The seminar, which was attended by students from different secondary schools, the media and other distinguished guests, was streamed live by the ICT unit, UNIBEN and also by Zoom.
