Advocate Seeks More Awareness On Hidden Dangers Of Teen Drug Abuse

A women and girls’ health advocate, Mrs Mercy David-Adejo, has warned teenagers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) against experimenting with illicit drugs.

She said a single attempt could trigger addiction and derail their future aspirations.

David-Adejo, who is the founder of Women Strengthening Women (WSW), gave the advice during an awareness programme in Abuja titled, “One Puff, One Pill, One Mistake: The Hidden Dangers of Illicit Drugs on Teenagers.”

She said many young people are introduced to drugs through peer pressure, curiosity, and the desire to fit in with friends, often without fully understanding the consequences.

According to her, what may appear to be a harmless act can quickly develop into a dangerous habit that is difficult to overcome.

“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.

David-Adejo explained that drug abuse poses serious risks to the developing brains of teenagers, affecting their ability to think clearly, focus on their studies, and make informed decisions about their future.

She noted that substance abuse also exposes young people to risky behaviours, deteriorating family relationships, poor academic performance, and possible encounters with the law.

The advocate further warned that prolonged drug use could rob teenagers of their ambitions and expose them to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.

“What makes this issue particularly troubling is that every teenager affected is someone with dreams and aspirations that may never be realised if they remain trapped in addiction,” she said.

She called on parents, teachers, community leaders, and other stakeholders in the FCT to strengthen efforts aimed at preventing drug abuse through mentorship, open communication, and sustained public awareness campaigns.

David-Adejo also advocated for the establishment of safe spaces where teenagers could access accurate information, counselling, and support to resist negative peer influence.

She urged schools and community-based organisations to intensify education on the dangers of illicit drugs, stressing that early intervention remains one of the most effective tools for prevention.

Advising teenagers to make choices that protect their future, she cautioned against seeking temporary excitement at the expense of their health and wellbeing.

“No temporary excitement is worth sacrificing your health, your dreams, or your life. Young people must be bold enough to say no and wise enough to walk away,” she said.

She maintained that addressing drug abuse among young people requires a collective effort involving families, educational institutions, communities, and policymakers to safeguard the next generation.