Alcohol and drug abuse is a fast growing problem in the world because of drug barons and peddlers who want to satisfy their selfish needs with no care whatsoever about the harm they are causing to the youth. It is saddening to read stories about youngsters who have lost their fight against drugs. Stories of planes seized full of narcotics landing in Africa are not inspirational. I wonder, do the people who peddle and invest in drugs as a business have children? If yes, do they give them drugs to taste and become addicts as they do to other people’s children? These people are the most insensitive human creatures, in my own consideration. The world today is trying to come up with a solution to this menace. Drugs related problems such as crime and teenage pregnancies are on the increase. In fact, some hope in the fight against drug abuse can only be seen by religious organizations, non-governmental organizations, counselors and the media which have taken up this responsibility. This is inevitable since most drug users are normally exposed to harmful drugs at a tender age, especially due to peer pressure from friends. It is quite common to see young people going out for all night discos and parties. Unfortunately, most parents who let their children attend these events never get to know the risk they are exposing them to. Such places are frequented by drug peddlers who are out to sell drugs to unsuspecting youth. Some youngsters, however, get exposed to bad practices like cigarette smoking and beer taking at home by their own parents and relatives. This eventually develops into a vicious habit which they are unable to control, hence addiction. This problem has been worsened by the fact that people do not follow restrictions on whom to sell beer and cigarettes to. This has allowed for young children to be sent by their parents and relatives to buy these substances. When they become familiar with this, the curiosity to taste and consume eventually develops. We should realize that children learn to do things through imitating their parents and those around them. It is no wonder that they at some point decide to venture and taste what they have been seeing “enjoyed” so much. Before long they become part of drug abuse groups.The effects of substance use are not desirable. It takes away their strength, dwarfs their bodies, makes their minds dull and corrupts their morals. With this, shopkeepers irresponsibly behavior of selling cigarettes and alcohol to underage youth instead of warning them of the dangers should be revised. Some bar attendants similarly are guilty of selling beer to underage persons. All this is done because they care more of their profits than the harm caused to their young brains. Due to alcohol and substance abuse, most young people have dropped out of school. Others have entered the world of crime, become mad and for the young marrieds, marriages are rocking towards divorce which is imminent while for the pregnant women, risks of children born with defects are high. Since these youths are not productive, they become a burden to other members of the society. Alcohol interferes with their judgment and ability to makes wise decisions. This is a serious matter for anyone. For persons in authority, its gravely serious because any wrong decisions made will affect the lives of the people they lead. On the other hand, the use of tobacco is an expensive, unhygienic, harmful and inconvenient behavior that is unpleasant to others. It is a dirty habit given the much smoke and ashes smokers scatter around and the sputum they have to spit. It is thus vital for everyone to play a role in eradicating this social problem since it is an issue that affects everyone. Contact: wakhujapheth@yahoo.com
