NDLEA PRESS RELEASE
Chairman/Chief Executive of the
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade has cautioned youths
against substance abuse and charged them to be dedicated to the pursuit of legitimate
goals in life. Giade gave the warning in Lagos as a proactive measure to sensitize
youths on the dangers of substance abuse as the world marks Valentine’s Day,
February 14 this year.
The NDLEA boss said that drug
abuse is not limited to the use of illicit drugs but also includes the
excessive use of licit drugs like alcohol and cigarettes. “Let me call on
youths to shun the use of drugs. Apart from the use of illicit drugs, drug
abuse also involves the excessive use of legal drugs like alcohol and
cigarettes. Official statistics have shown that most people experiment with
drugs during festive periods. They take drugs due to ignorance, peer influence and
the desire to be tipsy” Giade stated.
According to Giade, some people
mistake enjoyment for substance intoxication. In his words, “substance intoxication
refers to disturbance in behavior or mental function during or after the use of
drugs. This is not enjoyment because it can lead to poor health, accidents, premature
deaths, unsafe sex, drug addiction and traffic violation among others”.
The Chairman called on parents to
monitor their children closely to know their friends, detect drug use and seek early
help. “I want parents to be actively involved in the anti-narcotics campaign. This
will help to reduce cases of drug use among youths. While it is true that treatment
works, it is better to abstain from drug use” Giade stated.
He identified four stages of drug
abuse to include, experimental stage, occasional use, regular use and dependent
use of drugs.
Ofoyeju Mitchell
Head, Public Affairs
08034088136
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