The women and girls’ health advocate, Mrs Mercy David-Adejo, has urged teenagers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to prioritise their future and make responsible choices, warning that no temporary excitement is worth sacrificing their health, dreams, or lives.
David-Adejo, founder of Women Strengthening Women (WSW), gave the advice on Saturday in Abuja during an awareness event themed “One Puff, One Pill, One Mistake: The Hidden Dangers of Illicit Drugs on Teenagers.”
She cautioned young people against experimenting with illicit drugs, noting that even a single attempt could lead to addiction and long-term consequences.
“It often starts innocently — a friend offers a pill at a party or encourages experimentation. What seems harmless can quickly become a habit that is difficult to break,” she said.
She explained that many teenagers are introduced to drugs through peer pressure, curiosity, and the desire to fit in, often underestimating the risks involved.
According to her, drug abuse significantly affects the developing brain, impairing teenagers’ ability to think clearly, concentrate in school, and make informed decisions about their future.
She added that beyond health implications, substance abuse exposes young people to risky behaviours, declining academic performance, strained family relationships, and possible legal consequences.
David-Adejo further noted that many teenagers involved in drug use gradually lose interest in education and personal ambitions, while some develop mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.
“What makes this issue particularly troubling is that every affected teenager has dreams and aspirations that may never be realised if they remain trapped in addiction,” she said.
She stressed the need for parents, teachers, and community leaders in the FCT to take active roles in preventing drug abuse through open communication, mentorship, and sustained awareness campaigns.
The advocate also called for the creation of safe spaces where teenagers can access accurate information, guidance, and support to resist negative peer influence.
She urged schools and community-based organisations to intensify education on the dangers of illicit drugs, noting that early intervention remains key to prevention.
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“Young people must be bold enough to say no and wise enough to walk away,” she said.
She reiterated that tackling drug abuse requires a collective effort from families, institutions, and policymakers to protect the next generation.
(NAN)
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