By Alex Adi
The ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with the Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse (CRISA), launched the 15th Biennial International Conference on Drugs, Alcohol, and Society in Africa on Wednesday, October 9th, in Abuja. This event brings together regional policymakers and international experts to address the escalating crisis of substance use disorders (SUD).
During the Conference, the ECOWAS Commission, represented by Dr. Daniel Amankwaah, emphasized the critical need for regional frameworks to tackle emerging substances like “Kush” and to enhance efforts in drug prevention and control. The two-day conference will focus on collaborative strategies to improve access to treatment across Africa.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex but treatable mental disorder condition where there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences. People with SUD have an intense focus sometimes called an addiction to using a certain substance(s) such as alcohol, tobacco, or other psychoactive substances, to the point where their ability to function in day-to-day life becomes impaired..
Players in the health sector caution that repeated substance use can cause changes in how the brain functions. These changes can last long after the immediate intoxication wears off. Additionally, discontinuing use can lead to symptoms of withdrawal and intense cravings to return to use, often experienced as anxiety. According to the 2023 World Drug Report, about 296 million people used drugs at least once in 2021, and about 39.5 million of them had substance use disorders (SUDs), with only 15 people with SUDs having access to any form of treatment.
CREDIT: ECOWAS COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE…