The Mental Health Authority (MHA) of Ghana has revealed that the growing trend of mental health disorders can be attributed to the abuse of alcohol and psychoactive substance among Ghanaian youth.
In a latest report, MHA reveal that 3,765 cases of mental disorders related to alcohol use were recorded in 2023, with an additional 5,554 cases attributed to other psychoactive substance use.
The report which was released to mark this year’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on Wednesday, June 26 according to the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) indicated that, there has been a steady rise in mental health cases from 4,155 in 2019 to 5,554 in 2023, with the most affected age range being 20–34 years.
DHIMS further revealed that children as young as 10–14 years are also suffer from mental health issues due to drug abuse.
“Data from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) has consistently captured mental disorders due to alcohol and other psychoactive disorders among the top ten (10) causes of mental health outpatient (OPD) attendance.
“In 2023, a total of 3,765 cases of mental disorders due to alcohol use were attended to, and 5,554 cases with respect to other psychoactive substance use.
“The 5-year trend of mental disorders due to psychoactive substance use has shown a steady rise in the number of cases from 4,155 in 2019 to 5,554 cases in 2023, with the age range most affected being 20–34 years. It must be noted that children as young as 10–14 years are also presenting with conditions stemming from drug use.”
Sounding the alarm on the increasing abuse of drugs and alcohol, the mental health authority noted that this year’s theme for the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, “Evidence is clear: Invest in prevention” reaffirms the authority’s commitment to addressing the challenges and effects of drug abuse in the country which has become a trend.
To put an end to the growing trend, the authority said it has partnered with stakeholders to combat the issue through education, publication, and policy advocacy, emphasizing the need for increased investment in prevention and evidence-based interventions.
“As we commemorate this year’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, it is crucial to reflect on the progress made and to recognize the work that remains to be done to strengthen prevention efforts including expanding public education campaigns, enhancing school-based intervention”.
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