Mental Health Advocate Canvasses Possible Ways To Curb Drug Abuse

Prof. Fatai Badru, a mental health advocate, on Tuesday, canvassed for possible ways to curb drug abuse and also decried the adverse effect of the menace in the country.

Badru said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He attributed the high level of insecurity, kidnapping, rape, violence and other social vices that are bedevilling the country to the result of drug abuse

Badru said when an individual kidnaps or rapes a fellow human, it is an indication that such an individual is not mentally stable, saying that no human being in his normal sense would perpetrate such acts except he is under the influence of some drugs or psychoactive substances.

According to him, the adverse effects of drug abuse on the Nigerian economy are massive, hence the need for more stringent measures to curb it.

He said it is necessary for the government to put in place policies that would drive people away from drug abuse.

“The laws regarding drug abuse in the country should be reviewed, so as to have offenders duly punished. It will serve as a deterrent to others.

“All the enforcement agencies including the government should collaborate in efforts to curb drug abuse because it requires a multi-dimensional approach.

“In doing that, there is a need for a conducive environment such that, there will be no compromise of any sort from any quarter or agency,” Badru said.

He also mentioned some of the causes of drug abuse to include, including lack of optimal mental health well-being, challenges, idleness, frustration and peer group.

He, however, encouraged the Federal Government to pay attention to mental health by creating a sustainable mental health delivery system and ensuring that citizens have access to good mental healthcare.

“More attention should be given to the mental health of the people so as to reduce social crises in the society and create room for citizens to enjoy optimal mental health well-being.

“Similarly, the government should create more job opportunities and provide