By Amoto Dennis
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has revealed that at least 20.2 per cent of primary pupils have abused at least one drug or substance.
According to the report, 7.2 per cent have indulged in alcohol, 6.0 per cent have used tobacco, 3.7 per cent have chewed miraa, 1.2 per cent have abused marijuana, 0.7 per cent have abused cocaine while 0.5 per cent have used heroin.
The abuse is even more pronounced in secondary school, where 508,132 have abused alcohol, 369,155 have chewed miraa while 349,613 have abused prescription drugs.
The report shows that 314, 869 have indulged in tobacco, 162,863 in marijuana, 49,9058 in inhalants (glue and petrol) while have abused l26,058 heroin.
According to NACADA, the widespread abuse of drugs and alcohol had contributed to a higher burden of Substance use Disorders (SUD), which is range of problems connected with substance abuse.
The NACADA survey shows that alcohol continues to be the highest burden Of SUD with 2,807,569 (10.4 per cent) being diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorders.
In addition, 1,835,718 have been diagnosed with Tobacco Use Disorders, while 836,872 were diagnosed with miraa and 215,967 being diagnosed with marijuana use disorders.
To contain the situation, the NACADA has issued Parental Guide to Alcohol Abuse Prevention 2020. It highlights many signs that could indicate that a child is abusing drugs.
Unknown friends, secretive phone calls, noticeable hostility and outbursts, constant lying, stealing small items, constant manipulation for money and unexplained disappearance of money are some of the behavioural changes parents have to look out for.
