Drug abuse: mental health disorder to reach 15 per cent by the year 2020 - Doctors

Abiodun OBA |

Global burden of mental health disorder has been projected to reach 15 per cent by the year 2020.
The President, Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Dr Roland Aigbovo gave this hint at Wuse market, Abuja, while educating traders and shoppers on the dangers of drug abuse.

According to him, many people resort to substance abuse to ease off stress, saying, “people now take refuge in drugs to cover up stress, believing that once someone is high, he or she will forget their problems.

“This had resulted in suicide; a lot of people had taken their lives as a result of drug abuse.

“You will agree with me that suicide is alien to African culture, we are not used to taking our lives no matter the stress, unfortunately, things are changing.

“The medical profession is not left out of this menace because this year alone, between January and June, close to four doctors took their lives.

“If those that have been trained to provide people with healthcare become patients to the extent of taking their lives, it is a source of huge concern.”

He said that the resident doctors embarked on the campaign to draw government and public attention to mental health issues.

The campaign which was led by, the President, Association of Resident Doctors, FCT was part of activities to mark the association’s Health Week.