Raising awareness among the youth regarding the impacts of drug abuse
Raising awareness among the youth regarding the impacts and drug abuse
It is important to recognize that substances can alter brain function, potentially resulting in addiction and various serious issues. Therefore, taking measures to prevent the early consumption of drugs or alcohol can significantly mitigate these risks.
The likelihood of drug use escalates considerably during transitional phases. For adults, experiences such as divorce or job loss can heighten the risk of substance use. In the case of teenagers, critical periods include relocating, experiencing family separation, or transitioning to a new school. As children progress from elementary to middle school, they encounter new and often challenging social, familial, and academic circumstances. Frequently during this time, they may be introduced to substances and alcohol for the first time.
As adolescents transition into high school, they may encounter an increased accessibility to drugs, observe drug use among older peers, and participate in social events where drug consumption is prevalent. Upon leaving high school and beginning to live more autonomously, whether in a college setting or as working adult, individuals may find themselves exposed to drug use without the protective environment that family and educational institutions typically provide.
Engaging in a certain level of risk-taking is a natural aspect of adolescent growth. The inclination to explore new experiences and assert independence is a positive development; however, it can also heighten the likelihood of drug experimentation among teenagers. The regions of the brain responsible for judgment and decision-making do not reach full maturity until individuals are in their early to mid-20s. This developmental timeline restricts adolescents’ capacity to accurately evaluate the dangers associated with drug use and renders them more susceptible to peer influence.
Given that the brain is still maturing, drug use during this critical period poses a significant risk of impairing brain functions essential for motivation, memory, learning, judgment, and behavioral regulation.
BFFDAF
BFFDA, as a nonprofit organization, has committed to engaging with schools, churches, and various youth gatherings in Accra to raise awareness about the devastating effects of drug and alcohol abuse on individuals and the broader community, as well as to emphasize the importance of abstinence. Our objective is to extend this educational initiative throughout the country, ensuring that every young person can benefit from this knowledge and avoid the pitfalls of drug abuse.