Teenalive says No to drug Abuse among Youths

The illicit and habitual taking of drugs like nicotine vaping, cannabis, marijuana, tramadol and many others among teenagers are rapidly increasing. The National anti-drugs Committee reported that 21% of the population in Cameroon abuses drugs, in which 60% are youth from 20-25 years some of whom are students from the tertiary schools.

Teenalive association has taken the initiative to sensitive the population of the south west region of Cameroon against drug abuse through sensitization, the distribution of referral pathway and friendly games.

Drugs are created to heal human beings from diseases, yet the same drugs can be detrimental to human life. It is well-known that drugs are developed to ease symptoms and cure diseases, improving human living conditions. However, some individuals misuse over-the-counter drugs for personal satisfaction, which is referred to as drug abuse. This has become a social phenomenon, particularly affecting the youth, and is a major concern that needs to be addressed.

Drug abuse among youths is often caused by peer pressure and sometimes by depression. It is common for young people to refer to overdosing as being “dope.”

Through sensitization, TeenAlive continue to reach out to underserved areas to educate youths in communities onas a result of drug abuse. The organization also offers mental health and psychosocial support to individuals struggling with addiction and any form of depression.

Raina Zenabou M
Intern