Parents, Pray, Prevent: The Home Front in Winning the War on Drugs and Despair
The outreach at St. Augustine Secondary School in Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area, Imo State, conducted by the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation on February 5, 2026, focused on substance abuse and its deep ties to mental health. Anchored by the foundation’s Imo State Programs Manager, Mrs. Chinwendu Obileme, the session engaged students through interactive discussions on risks, warning signs, peer pressure, prevention, and the value of early help-seeking.
Global Context and Statistics
Substance abuse continues to pose a major global threat, especially to youth. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that harmful alcohol use causes over 3 million deaths annually, accounting for about 5.3% of all global deaths. Among 15–19-year-olds, alcohol use prevalence was 22% in 2019, with cannabis use higher among adolescents (5.5%) than adults (4.4%) in 2022. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that around 35.6 million people aged 15–64 suffer from drug use disorders. For those aged 10–24, substance use disorders contributed to about 13,000 deaths and 4.4 million disability-adjusted life years in 2021. These issues often co-occur with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, heightening risks of suicide and long-term harm.
The Critical Role of School Outreaches - Advocacy
School-based programs like this one are essential for early education and intervention. Schools reach youth during key developmental years, helping to build resilience, reduce stigma, and promote open conversations before habits form. In areas with limited mental health access, such as parts of Nigeria, these initiatives fill vital gaps and emphasize prevention.
The Pivotal Role of Parents, the Home Environment, and Godly Upbringing
While schools provide structured education, the foundation of prevention begins at home. Parents and caregivers are the first line of defense against substance abuse, bad influences, and peer pressure. A nurturing, stable home environment significantly protects children and adolescents.
Evidence from organizations like the UNODC and reviews by bodies such as the Community Preventive Services Task Force shows that family-based approaches are among the most effective for preventing youth substance use. Strong parental involvement—including open communication, clear rules, consistent monitoring, and disapproval of substance use—greatly reduces the likelihood of initiation and escalation. Studies indicate that youth whose parents actively talk about substance dangers early and often are up to 50% less likely to use drugs. Parental monitoring, rule-setting with consequences, and positive role modeling build protective factors that help children resist negative peer influences.
A Godly upbringing further strengthens these defenses by instilling moral values, self-discipline, respect for authority, and reliance on faith-based principles. Constantly teaching children biblical principles on purity, stewardship of the body, and saying “no” to harmful temptations equips them with inner conviction to reject bad friends and pressures. Parents who model godly living—through prayer, integrity, and love—create a home where children feel secure, valued, and guided toward positive choices rather than seeking escape through substances.
Parents can actively help by:
Fostering strong emotional bonds and spending quality time together.
Encouraging open discussions about life’s challenges, including peer pressure.
Teaching assertiveness skills to say “no” firmly and confidently.
Monitoring friendships and activities while maintaining trust.
Praying with and for their children, reinforcing godly values against worldly temptations.
When homes prioritize these elements, children develop resilience against the scourge of bad company and risky behaviors.
How the Public Can Support Affected Youth
The community plays a key role too. Donate to the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, so individuals can access free counseling and therapy, especially young people struggling with substance abuse or related mental health issues. Removing financial barriers ensures timely, professional support for recovery and healing.
The foundation remains committed to awareness and resources across Nigeria. Events like this outreach highlight education’s transformative power. For more details or to contribute, visit the foundation’s website or follow their social media updates. Together—through schools, homes, faith, and community—we can protect and uplift the next generation. https://www.unodc.org/documents/prevention/Family_Compilation_Update_2025.pdf https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/prevention/family-skills.html https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/prevention/prevention-standards.html https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2021/June/treatnet-family_-addressing-adolescent-substance-use-and-related-problems-through-family-based-approaches.html https://www.unodc.org/documents/ungass2016/CND_Preparations/Intersessional_September_2015/2015_09_25_The_Science_of_Drug_Prevention.pdf https://www.thecommunityguide.org/findings/substance-use-family-based-interventions-to-prevent-substance-use-among-youth.html
Munachi Igbelina
Media Team
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