Africa

A mental health advocate, Prof. Fatai Badru, on Tuesday decried the adverse effect of drug abuse on the country and canvassed for stringent measures to curb the menace.

Badru, a Professor of Psychiatric Social Work, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Badru blamed the degree of insecurity, kidnapping, rape, violence and other social vices that were bedevilling the country; on drug abuse.

The Professor said that when an individual kidnapped or raped a fellow human, it was an indication that such individual was not mentally stable.

He added that no human being in his normal sense would perpetrate such acts except he was under the influence of some drugs or psychoactive substances.

According to Badru, the adverse effects of drug abuse on the Nigerian economy are massive, hence the need for more stringent measures to curb it.

He said that there was need for government to put in place policies that would drive people away from drug abuse.

“The laws regarding drug abuse in the country should be reviewed, so as to have offenders duly punished. It will serve as deterrent to others.

“All the enforcement agencies including the government should collaborate in efforts to curb drug abuse because it requires multi-dimensional approach.

“In doing that, there is need for a conducive environment such that, there will be no compromise of any sort from any quarter or agency,” Badru said.

The mental health advocate identified lack of optimal mental health well-being, challenges, idleness, frustration and peer group as some of the contributing factors to drug abuse.

Badru said that the absent of optimal mental well-being in the country, resulted to many having underlying mental conditions.

He urged the Federal Government to pay attention to mental health by creating sustainable mental health delivery system and ensuring that citizens have access to good mental healthcare.

“More attention should be given to the mental health of the people so as to reduce social crises in the society and create room for citizens to enjoy optimal mental health well-being.

“Similarly, government should create more job opportunities and provide basic amenities and enabling environment for the citizens to be gainfully engaged, as joblessness and idleness lure many into drugs,” Badru said
(NAN)

C.E

Tags: Prof. Fatai Badru