Dr Moses Jacob, a family physician in Wuse Hospital, Abuja, has attributed mental illness among youths to high level of drug abuse and the lack of counselling.

Jacob said this on Thursday in an interview with newsmen.

He, therefore, stressed the need for increased awareness on dangers of drug abuse; adding that concerted efforts must be made to tackle the menace.

The physician decried rising cases of illegal drug consumption among youths, noting that “the aftermath of such behaviour is always detrimental to the society.”

Jacob, who also stressed the need to address mental health issues, especially among youths, said there was high circulation of hard
drugs in the country.

He urged security agencies and other appropriate bodies to rise up to the challenge and halt the increase of the menace; adding that
youths must be salvaged from consumption of illicit drugs.

The physician said that if the country must preserve its youthful population; the leadership must strive to ensure that they were
free from drug abuse.

He explained that mental health among youths was further worsened by the lack of counselling and good parenting, noting that
family values that were supposed to be inculcated in youths had lost its place.

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He said “parents and guardians do not counsel their children when they see them indulge in drugs until it gets out of hand.

“Parents should cultivate the attitude of reporting children to relevant security agencies when they see them indulge in unwholesome activities for prompt
action.”

He also appealed to parents to join hands with organisations and relevant stakeholders to ensure responsible societies free of drug abuse.