The National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has released a report on the Status of Drugs and Substance Use (DSU) among University Students, in 2024.
The report, released on Thursday, shows that students have been using drugs including heroin, cocaine, bhang, codeine, ecstasy, morphine and ketamine.
The study found that alcohol was the most available substance (87.3%), followed by cigarettes (64.4%), shisha (41.2%), vape/e-cigarettes (31.0%), nicotine pouches (30.7%), kuber (23.0%), and snuff/chewed tobacco (22.1%).
An earlier report by Nacada highlighted that the greatest influence on a child's behaviour, including whether or not they use alcohol and other drugs, rests with the parents.
"A child's primary caregiver in the early years shapes the cognitive, social, and emotional development that sets the stage for the child's future," it said.
In a bid to curb further use of alcohol and drug abuse, Nacada CEO Anthony Omerikwa proposed ways for parents and guardians to create awareness and ensure their children do not get trapped in the vice.
Omerikwa emphasised the need for parents to start early in promoting healthy attitudes, emotions and behaviour in their children.
He warned that "starting at teenage is too late".
He also stressed that parents should be aware of all aspects of their children's lives, including knowing their friends, teachers and other significant people.
The Nacada report showed that friends were the greatest influence on students, with 66.4 percent citing friends as a factor, while lecturers accounted for 39.4 percent.
Parents are urged to understand their children’s aspirations, and challenges, and provide the necessary support.
Omerikwa further encouraged parents to be role models and create an environment that promotes healthy attitudes and behaviours.
"It is more about what you do than what you say," he explained.
"Open and honest communication is essential, allowing children to feel safe coming to their parents for answers and guidance."
Parents should also set clear boundaries and expectations.
Additionally, Omerikwa advised that parents should monitor their children’s behaviours, knowing where they are, what they are doing and with whom.
He advocated for a health-focused approach rather than a punitive one if their children make mistakes.
Parents should focus on supporting healthy behaviours and helping their children manage challenges such as setbacks, failures, stress, anger and fear.
Omerikwa also emphasised the importance of positive reinforcement, rewarding effort and focusing on desired attitudes and behaviours.
Parents should be vigilant in identifying their children’s risk levels and respond accordingly.
They should be observant of signs of risk and know when and how to seek help.
Nacada also recommended that parents be educated on behavioural and physical indicators of substance abuse, such as changes in sleep patterns, secrecy and withdrawal from family activities.
The authority suggested that caregivers should work together with teachers to ensure a cohesive approach to drug abuse prevention.
According to Drug-Free NH, parents should always be present in their children’s lives, listen attentively and absorb the information their children share.
