Drug abuse: Federal lawmaker tasks parents, families on parenting

 

Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi (APC, Ekiti North Senatorial District), has urged parents and families to rise up to their responsibilities by raising responsible children for the brighter future of the country.

Adetunmbi made the call at the unveiling of a book, titled “Family: The Heart of Drug Abuse Prevention”, written by Mrs Lydia Ajayi on Tuesday in Lagos.

The author also celebrated her 60th birthday with the book launch.

The senator noted that the family was the pillar of the society where children should learn morals, values and behaviours that would transform their lives to be responsible citizens.

He expressed his regrets that many children were not fortunate enough to enjoy good parenting.

Adetunmbi added that some parents had failed in their responsibilities of rendering good parental advice and guidance.

According to him, social vices, immoral behaviours, drug and substance abuse and addictions common nowadays in our society all started from the family unit.

“Once the family, parents fail in their responsibilities of inculcating good morals and values in the children from childhood; it becomes difficult to get it right again.

“Children learn to use drugs and substances from home as well as schools and peer groups.

“As a parent, you should always be close to your children, be their best friend to be able to inculcate good morals in them.

“And in cases where bad peer group influence are coming in, they can feel free to confide in you for the right decision/direction,” he said.

Also, Dr Olajumoke Koyejo, the book Reviewer, described the book as a must read by all families, parents, social workers and mental health practitioners.

Koyejo said the author wrote the book in a layman’s terms and language, breaking down all the terminologies of psychiatric practice.

According to her, the book not only narrates the root cause of substance and drug abuse/addiction, but proffers solutions including what families and parents can do to check the menace of drug abuse in the society.

Dr Martin Agwogie, the National President, International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP), Nigeria Chapter, alleged that 14 per cent of adult Nigerians were into drug abuse and substance use.

Agwogie, therefore, described drug abuse as a menace that had eaten deep into the society.

He called for collaborative efforts of government at all levels, families, parents and organisations in the fight against drug abuse.

“The book is clarion call not only to the family or parents, but also to the governments, organisations, religions to contribute to the fight against drug and substance abuse.

“This is because drug abuse is very vast and requires multi-dimensional approach to be addressed,” Agwogie said.

The Author, Mrs Lydia Ajayi, said it was better to address the root cause of drug abuse in the society than resort to arresting and prosecution of persons involved in drug abuse.

Ajayi, also a substance abuse professional, identified the family as the root cause of drug abuse and called on parents to continue to raise responsible children.

She also called for the rehabilitation, mental healthcare and assessment for those involved in drug abuse rather than arresting or prosecuting them.