spire to acquire the desire you admire, even if you misfire never retire because you have a messiah who lifts you higher”.  This is a quote for a brighter future. The future can be an even brighter one depending on the choices we make each day of our lives. As a country, if all citizens wage a war against drug abuse we shall get to our desired destination.

The youth are the most vulnerable culprits of drug abuse. Drugs such as marijuana, tobacco, alcohol and the latest tramadol and codeine are the most commonly abused drugs. This is mostly attributed to the high unemployment rate in the country but some gainfully employed people also abuse drugs. The youth sort to taking drugs after unsuccessfully securing a job and this leads to a lot of devastative activities in the country. They fear to face the world in their state of unemployment and this becomes their limit that takes control of their whole being.

The future seems scary and in total doom since the people that are expected to be the future leaders are been destroyed by the same choices they make when life is not rosy. One thing we fail to understand is that life is not a bed of roses and hence serious risk must be taken to survive by all who need to make an impact in society.

The dangers of the use these drugs are very devastating and includes serious mental disorders such as psychosis and schizophrenia amongst others and social vices such as murder, rape and robbery among the lot and other health issues such as cancer of the lungs and even death. Have you observed the recent increase in social vices and mad people in the streets of Ghana? I fear for what the future holds for us since most of these people are the youth.

Moving on, charity they say begins at home and hence the institution of the family has a big role to play in combating the menace of drug abuse. It is high time parents trained their children to be innovative and creative and not rely on the government for employment since job hunting only turns to frustration. I agree that people without any means of livelihood are usually depressed and therefore take the said drugs in trying to remain focus and relevant in society but this doesn’t yield the desired results as the drug metabolizes with time.

Adding up, the government, non-governmental organizations and the society at large should support people who are frustrated and depressed in life to give them a sense of belonging and help them cope with all the happenings in society. Strategic and pragmatic initiatives should be taken to deal with the situation.

It can therefore be said that people that don’t know their purpose in life make unhealthy choices. The youth need guidance and skill training to discover their very essence in life and make healthy choices to avoid attempts of drug abuse. This can be done through educative and career guidance programs for the youth.

Psychiatric centers should be established across the country and especially in areas where excessive use of drugs is noted to re-orient and rehabilitate drug addicts found in the streets. Advertisement of alcoholic products and drugs of potentials abuse should be regulated by legislations in the country.

Drug abuse can cost your life, your status in society, your family, your job and even your life leaving you with no good legacies behind. A stitch in time saves nine hence let’s all join in fighting a successful war against drug abuse.

By: Der Debuo Amanda