The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has cautioned youths and teenagers against drug abuse, warning that mental health disorder awaits anyone who indulges in the act.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, gave the warning when the agency took its “NAFDAC Catch-Them-Young” initiative to Ogbomoso High School, Ogbomosho, Oyo State.

It is a campaign against drug abuse among youths and teenagers. While addressing the students, Adeyeye said the step became necessary because youths and teenagers are mostly affected with drug abuse.

Adeyeye, who was represented by NAFDAC Coordinator in Oyo State, Pharm. Samuel Adeyemi, lamented that the rate at which Nigerians, particularly youths and teenagers fall into victim of drug abuse is alarming, hence the need to curb it.

She warned against drug abuse among Nigerians, saying its consequences include mental health disorder, drug addiction, risk of damage to the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.

The NAFDAC boss said the motive was to educate youths and teenagers on drug abuse and create awareness campaigns on its menace across the nation. According to her, others are at risk of impairment in memory loss, learning, problem solving and concentration, risk of psychosis, and impaired driving among others.

The DG stated that to avoid drug abuse, youths and teenagers should resist peer pressure, seek professional help, develop hobbies or talents, take only prescribed medications, and concentrate on their studies.

In her remarks, the Principal, Ogbomoso High School, Mrs. Olajumoke Oyekan commended NAFDAC for its initiative, describing the agency as one of the government agencies that has transformed and saved the lives of many Nigerians.

She, however, said the sensitisation will go a long way in changing lives of students for good and remodel their life’s to become better person in the nearest future.