Nneka Dim, a psychologist with the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, has urged Nigerian youths to stay away from drug abuse to live responsibly.

In an interview in Enugu on Saturday, Ms Dim said drug abuse among youths was a pressing issue that raises serious concerns among parents and health professionals alike.

According to her, the brains of some youths may still be at a stage of development, making them particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of hard drugs.

“The long-term consequences of drug use among youths can have severe impacts on various aspects of their lives.

“And these effects could be deteriorating mental health and impaired cognitive functions such as memory deficits, among others,” she said.

Ms Dim explained that drug abuse occurs when an individual overlooks the consequences of its use due to their strong desire to use it.

She said that it would alter the individual’s lifestyle and could also alter daily relationships.

“Resisting peer pressure, abstaining from drug use, living a balanced lifestyle, fostering strong family relationships and taking only prescribed medication.

“Learning healthy coping skills and obtaining education on the dangers of drug abuse are some of the strategies that can be employed to prevent substance abuse among youths,” she added. 

(NAN)