In light of the International Day Against Drug Abuse, parents have received a crucial reminder about the importance of dedicating sufficient time to engage, interact, and demonstrate affection towards their children.
According to Psychiatrist at the Presbyterian Psychiatric Hospital in Bolgatanga, Dr. Dennis Daliri, neglecting parental responsibilities could heighten the risk of children succumbing to social vices, particularly drug abuse.
During an interview on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show with Mark Smith, Dr. Daliri emphasised that inadequate parental guidance may contribute to children’s susceptibility to illicit drug use and substance abuse. He stressed the crucial role parents play in shaping their children’s behaviour and preventing them from engaging in harmful activities.
Moreover, Dr. Daliri highlighted that children who lack sufficient parental care and affection may turn to drugs as a form of rebellion against their parents’ actions or to fill the emotional void created by their absence. This underscores the vital need for parents to prioritise quality time, emotional support, and guidance to ensure their children’s well-being and resilience against negative influences.
Parents were encouraged to embrace their crucial role as positive role models and engage in open communication with their children, addressing their emotional needs and concerns. By doing so, they can effectively mitigate the risk of drug abuse and equip their children with the necessary tools to make informed and responsible decisions.
This call to action resonates with the broader goal of safeguarding the well-being and future of our youth, ensuring they have the support they need to lead healthy, drug-free lives.
“Parents need to be more vigilant as far as the care for their children is concerned. If you are a parent who is extremely busy, you will spend all the time looking for money only for you to come and treat some of these conditions in your children. What have you achieved at the end of the day?”
“I have always said that children or adults who get addicted to substances, are trying to fill a void in them,” he said.
The International Day Against Drug Use provides a global forum for promoting prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives while bringing attention to the risks of drug misuse. Every year on June 26th, governments, organisations, and communities from all around the world come together to commemorate this critical day and raise awareness of the terrible effects that drug addiction has on individuals, families, and society at large. It serves as a reminder of the pressing need to deal with the underlying causes of drug abuse, support individuals who are afflicted by addiction, and work towards eradicating the negative consequences of drugs from society. The International Day Against Drug Use works to build a common commitment to prevention and rehabilitation.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
