Tabitha Goselle
The Members of the Tarok Daughters Forum (TDF) have raised serious concerns over the rising incidence of substance and drug abuse among youths in Tarok communities, describing it as a silent but dangerous threat to families and society at large.
This was the focus of a recent sensitization talk delivered by Dr Kurkat Maigida during a well-attended Tarok Daughters’ Forum recently organised as part of the Forum’s commitment to social advocacy and community development.
In her presentation titled “Substance/Drug Abuse: A Community Challenge,” Dr. Maigida stressed that drug abuse is no longer limited to urban centres but is increasingly affecting rural communities, often unnoticed.
She explained that substance abuse involves the wrong or excessive use of drugs, whether legal, illegal or prescribed, including taking medication without medical advice or using substances to alter mood or escape challenges.
She identified commonly abused substances to include alcohol, tramadol and other painkillers, marijuana, codeine-based cough syrups, cigarettes, and methamphetamine, popularly known as “ICE.” Highlighted are factors of substance abuse to include curiosity and experimentation, peer pressure, unemployment, poverty, stress, depression, poor parental supervision, cultural permissiveness, and the easy availability of drugs, warning that drug abuse has severe consequences on health, family life, and community stability.
These include damage to vital organs, mental illness, addiction, family breakdown, increased crime, insecurity and reduced productivity, which collectively tarnish the image of the community.
Dr. Maigida outlined warning signs of substance abuse such as sudden behavioural changes, aggressiveness or withdrawal, poor hygiene, declining academic or work performance, and frequent requests for money.
The Convener of the Tarok Daughters Forum, Kate Miri, said the initiative was aimed at drawing public attention to the alarming trend of drug abuse and other illicit activities, particularly among young people.
She noted that the Forum which has more than 3000 members, considered it a civic responsibility to educate, sensitize and mobilise communities towards finding lasting solutions to the growing menace.
On prevention, Former Ag Vice Chancellor Prof Patricia Lar emphasized the need for sustained education, awareness, strong family support systems, and moral upbringing, youth engagement in skills acquisition, farming and sports, as well as collective community action against drug peddlers
.
Deputy Chairman Langtang North Deborah Dalen narrated a terrible experience she was called upon to handle girls who went into prostitution and fell into wrong hands leading to serious injuries.
Prophetess Nafisa Yahaya Kwande encouraged Tarok Mothers to discipline children and concentrate on training rather than complaining about youthful exuberance.
Other speakers Chief Bala Zwaltur Ubandoma Langtang, Hon Beni Lar, Mrs Julcit Bali, Nancy Barshep, and Timnan Nyantau echoed similar concerns, lamenting the devastating toll substance abuse is taking on the lives and future of young people.
They called for collaboration among parents, community leaders, religious institutions and security agencies to confront the challenge head-on.
The Forum concluded by urging communities to support victims rather than stigmatize them, while reaffirming its commitment to continued advocacy aimed at safeguarding the health, security and future of Tarok society.
