Mental Health Advocate Blames Rising Social Vices On Drug Abuse

A mental health advocate, Mr. Aaron Irabor, has blamed the rising insecurity, kidnapping, rape, violence and other social vices bedevilling the country, on drug abuse.

Irabor, who is the President, Heritage Advancement Forum made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.

According to him, 95 per cent of people that indulge in unlawful acts are under the influence of drugs.

He explained that when an individual decides to kidnap or rape, it shows that such a person is mentally unstable.

The mental health expert noted that no normal human being with a sound mind would perpetrate such acts except when under the influence of certain drugs or psychoactive substances.

Irabor, who decried the adverse effect of drug abuse on Nigeria, called for more stringent measures to change the narrative.

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

“The adverse effects of drug abuse on the Nigerian economy are massive and more stringent measures should be deployed to curb the menace.

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

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

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

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

According to him, the lack of optimal mental well-being in the country has led to lots of citizens having underlying mental conditions.

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

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

“Similarly, the government should create more job opportunities and provide basic amenities and the enabling environment for the citizens to be gainfully engaged; as joblessness and frustration can lure a person into drugs.”

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