NRC Engages Fresh Students of UDS on Mental Health Issues

The Northern Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), as part of the drug awareness outreach, has embarked on a drug abuse sensitisation programme for fresh students of the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale.

The exercise forms part of efforts to educate students on the dangers associated with the use and abuse of drugs and other psychoactive substances.
The sensitisation focused on the relationship between mental health and substance abuse among students, with emphasis on prevention, early identification, responsible decision-making and seeking appropriate support when necessary.

The programme was organised to educate fresh students on the dangers and consequences of drug and substance abuse, create awareness of the relationship between substance abuse and mental health, highlight commonly abused substances among young people and their associated risks as well as equip students with practical skills to resist peer pressure and other influences that may encourage substance use.

It was also to promote healthy coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety and academic pressure, encourage students experiencing substance-related or mental health challenges to seek professional help and counselling and also promote a healthy and drug-free campus environment.

In his presentation, ANCO Mubarik Musah explained that substance abuse can negatively affect students’ physical health, mental wellbeing, academic performance, relationships and future prospects.
The discussion covered commonly abused substances, including alcohol, cannabis, tobacco products, tramadol and other prescription medicines when used without appropriate medical direction. Attention was also drawn to emerging patterns of substance use among young people and the associated health and social risks.

Furthermore, the session examined factors that may contribute to substance use among students, including peer pressure, curiosity, stress, academic challenges, emotional difficulties, family-related issues and the desire to experiment.

Students were also sensitised to possible warning signs of problematic substance use, including sudden changes in behaviour, declining academic performance, withdrawal from social activities, financial difficulties and changes in social circles. They were encouraged to pay attention to such signs among their peers and seek appropriate assistance where necessary.

A significant aspect of the programme was the relationship between mental health and substance abuse. Students were encouraged to understand that using drugs or alcohol as a means of coping with stress, anxiety or other emotional difficulties may create additional problems and negatively affect their academic and social lives.

The students were encouraged to adopt healthy coping strategies, including seeking guidance from counsellors, maintaining supportive relationships, engaging in physical activities, managing academic pressure effectively and seeking professional assistance when necessary.

The students were also informed that the possession, use, distribution and trafficking of controlled substances may attract legal consequences under Ghanaian law. Beyond the legal implications, substance abuse can have long-term consequences for education, employment, relationships, personal finances and overall wellbeing.

The programme provided an opportunity for the students to ask questions and seek clarification on issues relating to substance use, mental health, peer pressure and available support services.

The interactive nature of the session encouraged students to openly discuss some of the challenges confronting young people and underscored the importance of seeking appropriate assistance at an early stage.