23/05/2025
Substance and drug abuse is not just a personal struggle—it’s a social crisis that continues to affect the youth across the world, including right here in our communities.
1. Mental and Emotional Health Damage
Drug abuse can trigger or worsen depression, anxiety, and psychosis😭.
It impairs the brain's development, particularly in teenagers, 😩affecting judgment, memory, and self-control😨.
Users often become withdrawn, aggressive😦, or emotionally unstable, damaging relationships with family 👨👩👧👧and friends👭.
2. Poor Academic and Work Performance
Young people who use drugs are more likely to drop out of school due to poor concentration, absenteeism, and lack of motivation🗣🤦♂️.
This limits their future employment opportunities and increases poverty and dependence on others.
3. Increased Risk of Crime and Violence
Drug abuse is often linked to criminal behavior such as theft, assault, or dealing drugs to support the habit.
Many youths fall victim to or become perpetrators of gender-based violence, especially under the influence.
4. Health Complications and Addiction
Continued use can lead to addiction, a chronic disease that is difficult to recover from.
Physical effects include organ damage, weakened immune system, and increased risk of HIV/AIDS and STIs through shared needles or risky behaviors.
5. Broken Families and Social Isolation
Substance abuse leads to conflicts, mistrust, and broken homes, often forcing young people into isolation.
It can also result in homelessness, as youth may be kicked out or run away due to abuse or neglect.
6. Death and Su***de
Tragically, 😓drug overdose is a growing cause of death among youth.😓
The hopelessness caused by addiction often pushes young people to self-harm or su***de 🤦♀️🤦♂️
