Mr. Obiefule Dennis, the FCT Commandant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has advised people to abstain from the use of illicit drugs to avoid ?health complications.
Dennis told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja that abstinence was a means through which people could avoid drug abuse and its addictive nature.
According to him, abstinence is the best approach to dealing with issues of drug abuse and addiction.
Dennis referred to drug abuse as the habitual intake of addictives or illegal drugs, advising parents and guardians to sensitise youths on dangers associated with the vice to proffer solution.
?“Abstinence is the best medicine for getting away from issues of drug abuse and addiction.
“Because when you walk towards prevention, the long-term casualty of addiction or abuse that affects your health status will not be there.
“So the best approach in this direction is prevention; let’s prevent our youths, provide them with enough information, education, so, that they can have the will power to say no and to stay away from using drugs that are harmful to their health.’’
Dennis identified marijuana, nicotine, alcohol and cocaine to be some most commonly abused drugs, especially by youths that could lead to damage of the organs, addiction, and also affect patterns of behaviour.
The commandant observed that there was an increase in the incidence of young people indulging in drug abuse, and advised youths to abstain to guarantee a healthy living.
He also advised governments at all levels, to always mark health days such as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to promote healthy living through information dissemination.
“Governments should mark more international health days in the country to provide people with useful information and opportunity to gain knowledge on ways to imbibe health practices.
“If that is done, it will help people to avoid exposure to drug abuse and drug addiction.’’ he said. ?
NAN reports that the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking launched by the United Nations General Assembly is celebrated globally on June 26, every year. ?(NAN)