Valentine’s Day: NDLEA chairman urges youths to shun drug abuse

THE 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 marked Valentine’s Day, on Saturday.

  The NDLEA boss said that drug abuse was not limited to the use of illicit drugs but also included 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 such as 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.