Ghana’s Mental Health Authority reported 3,765 cases of mental disorders attributed to alcohol use in 2023, marking a significant increase in substance abuse-related mental health issues.
Alongside this, there were 5,554 cases linked to other psychoactive substances during the same period.
These figures underscore a troubling trend that has been exacerbated over the past five years, as evidenced by data from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS), which recorded 4,155 cases in 2019 and 5,554 cases in 2023.
In response to these challenges, the Mental Health Authority has emphasized the theme for this year, “Evidence is clear: Invest in prevention,” reaffirming its commitment to tackling drug abuse through education, publications, and policy advocacy.
The authority has also collaborated with stakeholders to promote evidence-based interventions aimed at preventing substance abuse and mitigating its impact on mental health.
The statement released on June 25, 2024, in observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, highlighted the need for increased investment in preventive measures to address the growing public health issue of substance abuse in Ghana.
Source Graphic Online
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