Principal Narcotic Control Officer (PNCO) Mr Ernest Owusu Sarpong, the Bono Regional Commander of the Narcotic Control Commission (NACOC) has called for the establishment of rehabilitation center for drug addicts and substance abusers in the Region.
He expressed concern about the alarming rate of substance abuse among the youth in the region which was having devastating effects on their health and wellbeing.
Mr Sarpong made the call when speaking at a media seminar at Abesim, near Sunyani on the theme: “Ethical journalism and substance use disorder” jointly organised by the Commission and the Virgin Kourt hotel.
He said the region required the rehabilitation center to offer affordable treatment options for drug addicts and facilitate their successful re-integration in society.
Mr Sarpong urged the media to intensify advocacy on the effects of substance abuse to stem the tide.
Madam Esther Asiome, the Officer-in-Charge of the NACOC’s Counselling Unit, noted that Substance Use Disorder (SUD) was a mental health challenge that affected the brain and behavior of abusers.
“It isn’t a moral failing or lack of willpower, but a complex condition influenced by genetic, environmental, and other factors,” she explained.
Nonetheless, Madam Asiome said addicts could be recovered with available treatment and support and said, “SUD is a complex mental health issue affecting individuals and communities worldwide”.
She said the National Institute of Mental Health defined SUD as a brain disorder that altered behavior and increased vulnerability to substance use, saying SUD had become a growing concern, with many individuals struggling with addictions.
Madam Asiome noted that SUD could partly be influenced by factors including family history, trauma, and mental health conditions, explaining that “ethical journalism can help reduce stigma by promoting understanding and reducing stereotypes”.
She said promoting and deepening understanding and reducing stigma could support individuals with SUD and encourage them to seek early treatment, saying those with the disorders needed care and not discrimination.
GNA
Bono NACOC calls for rehabilitation center for drug addicts
