Those
struggling with substance abuse may soon heave a sigh of relief as there
is hope of breaking free from drug addiction. The Chairman/Chief
Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade,
gave the assurance at the commemoration of the 2014, International Day
Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The theme of this year’s celebration is; “A Message of Hope: Drug Use Disorders are Preventable and Treatable.”
The origin of this event is traceable to December 7, 1987 when the United Nations through resolution 42/112 dedicated every June 26 as World Drug Day. “I present to you today a message of hope that drug use disorders are preventable and treatable. NDLEA has drug abuse prevention experts who carry out enlightenment programmes in schools, markets and work places.
“There are also counsellors who assist drug dependent persons to overcome drug use and addiction. Counselling services are available in all NDLEA 36 state offices and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. “In 2013 alone, a total of 3,271 drug dependent persons were successfully counselled in NDLEA facilities nationwide. This comprises of 3,062 males and 209 females. We also received report of 802 treated cases from hospitals and other drug dependence treatment centres in Nigeria,” Giade said.
The NDLEA Director-General, Mrs Roli Bode George, said that she was prepared to vigorously pursue the vision of the Agency. She said: “My mission is to contribute my quota towards NDLEA’s efforts towards a drug-free society.
Efforts must be geared towards cutting off drug supply to drug addicts and reducing demand for drugs through effective enlightenment programmes. “Drug prevention programmes must be elaborate, involving families, schools, communities and the media.” George appealed to mothers to monitor their children to know their friends and prevent deviant behaviour.
“Peer influence is one of the predisposing risk factors to drug abuse. Mothers must take time off their busy schedule to monitor their children and guide them on the right path in life.
This is a problem that does not discriminate so we must take responsibility,” she added. The theme, according to the NDLEA boss, could not have come at a much better time considering the colossal damage caused by drug abuse. The UNODC Project Officer, Mr William Wu, also added his voice to the message of hope.
According to him, UNODC is working with the NDLEA to eradicate the problem of drug production, trafficking and abuse in Nigeria. Giade urged parents whose wards are drug dependent not to die in silence but seek assistance.
He said: “Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterised by compulsive drug seeking and use regardless of the harmful consequences. “This clearly shows that drug dependent persons surely need help and love just like any other sick patient.
People should seek help and in good time.” UNODC estimates that about 230 million people or five per cent of the world population used illegal drugs at least once in 2010. Global treatment for drug abuse is believed to cost $250 billion per year if everyone that needed help received proper care.
Apart from death, crimes committed by people who need money to finance drug abuse habits pose a serious threat to peace and security. There is also the attendant problem of low productivity resulting from drug abuse by workers.
The theme of this year’s celebration is; “A Message of Hope: Drug Use Disorders are Preventable and Treatable.”
The origin of this event is traceable to December 7, 1987 when the United Nations through resolution 42/112 dedicated every June 26 as World Drug Day. “I present to you today a message of hope that drug use disorders are preventable and treatable. NDLEA has drug abuse prevention experts who carry out enlightenment programmes in schools, markets and work places.
“There are also counsellors who assist drug dependent persons to overcome drug use and addiction. Counselling services are available in all NDLEA 36 state offices and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. “In 2013 alone, a total of 3,271 drug dependent persons were successfully counselled in NDLEA facilities nationwide. This comprises of 3,062 males and 209 females. We also received report of 802 treated cases from hospitals and other drug dependence treatment centres in Nigeria,” Giade said.
The NDLEA Director-General, Mrs Roli Bode George, said that she was prepared to vigorously pursue the vision of the Agency. She said: “My mission is to contribute my quota towards NDLEA’s efforts towards a drug-free society.
Efforts must be geared towards cutting off drug supply to drug addicts and reducing demand for drugs through effective enlightenment programmes. “Drug prevention programmes must be elaborate, involving families, schools, communities and the media.” George appealed to mothers to monitor their children to know their friends and prevent deviant behaviour.
“Peer influence is one of the predisposing risk factors to drug abuse. Mothers must take time off their busy schedule to monitor their children and guide them on the right path in life.
This is a problem that does not discriminate so we must take responsibility,” she added. The theme, according to the NDLEA boss, could not have come at a much better time considering the colossal damage caused by drug abuse. The UNODC Project Officer, Mr William Wu, also added his voice to the message of hope.
According to him, UNODC is working with the NDLEA to eradicate the problem of drug production, trafficking and abuse in Nigeria. Giade urged parents whose wards are drug dependent not to die in silence but seek assistance.
He said: “Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterised by compulsive drug seeking and use regardless of the harmful consequences. “This clearly shows that drug dependent persons surely need help and love just like any other sick patient.
People should seek help and in good time.” UNODC estimates that about 230 million people or five per cent of the world population used illegal drugs at least once in 2010. Global treatment for drug abuse is believed to cost $250 billion per year if everyone that needed help received proper care.
Apart from death, crimes committed by people who need money to finance drug abuse habits pose a serious threat to peace and security. There is also the attendant problem of low productivity resulting from drug abuse by workers.
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