Drug Prevention Officer at the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB), Patrick Agyepong has urged parents to help prevent their children from drug abuse by talking to them about the consequences of using drugs and the importance of making healthy choices.
According to him, various factors can contribute to teen drug use and misuse. He said first-time use often occurs in social settings with easily accessible substances, such as alcohol and cigarettes.
Speaking on ‘Nkosuo Nsem’ with Ohene Addo he said continued use might be a result of insecurities or a desire for social acceptance and thus urge parents and guardians to advise their children on the negative effects of using drugs.
“Teens may feel indestructible and might not consider the consequences of their actions, leading them to take dangerous risks with drugs. I will urge parents to pay attention to their whereabouts. Find out what adult-supervised activities they are interested in and encourage him or her to get involved. If your child’s friends use drugs, he or she might feel pressure to experiment too. If you drink, do so in moderation. Use prescription drugs as directed. Don’t use illicit drugs,” he stated.
He also said, parents should recognize warning signs and possible red flags of teen abuse such as sudden or extreme change in friends, eating habits, sleeping patterns and physical appearance.
He added that, coordination or school performance, irresponsible behavior, poor judgment and general lack of interest, breaking rules or withdrawing from the family and the presence of medicine containers, despite a lack of illness, or drug paraphernalia in your their rooms should be a call for concern.
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