The National Association of Seadogs (NAS ) has urged students to avoid hard drugs as substance abuse will distort their academic careers and ruin their lives.

The association made the call on Wednesday during a sensitisation programme for students of the Government Technical College, Calabar, on the dangers of drug abuse.

Patrick Ugwu, who spoke on the negative consequences of drug abuse, said Schizophrenia, depression and instability, amongst others, as the aftermath of the unwholesome use of hard drugs.

He said the association felt the need to enlighten young people, especially secondary school students, of the ugly trend and the rising cases of young people using hard drugs.

“The menace caused by drug abuse and the rising statistics have become disturbing as more young people continue to go into the negative habit. Illicit substance abuse has led to so many vices in society, starting from the users to their immediate families,” Mr Ugwu explained.

He added, “Taking any substance in excess is an abuse, substances like meth, tramadol, Indian hemp, cocaine, codeine, amongst others, have very damaging effects on the mental health of users. Drug abuse is a catalyst for crime because many young abusers can no longer think clearly, so they wreak a lot of havoc in that state.”

The school’s counsellor, Scholastica Bassey, described the awareness programme by NAS as timely, adding that many students were exposed to illicit substances due to their availability.

She noted that many students agreed to the availability of the substance in the areas.

“They sell it in my area. They sell it near my house. My brother is taking it. They sell it in my compound. The students need to be constantly reminded of the dangers of taking hard drugs, whether they drink them or add them to their food,” stated Ms Bassey.

(NAN)