Write an article suitable for publication in a national newspaper on the growing incidence of drug abuse among the youth, stating the causes and suggesting ...

Answer Details

How to approach this question: This is a newspaper article. It requires a title, a by-line, an introduction, developed paragraphs stating the causes of drug abuse and suggesting ways to curb it, and a firm conclusion. No address or salutation. Below is a model answer.

CURBING THE RISING TIDE OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG OUR YOUTH

By Chinedu Eze

Few problems threaten the future of our nation as gravely as the growing incidence of drug abuse among the youth. From secondary schools to universities, and from the streets to the motor parks, more and more young people are falling victim to the misuse of substances such as tramadol, codeine, Indian hemp and other dangerous drugs. Unless this tide is stemmed, the nation stands to lose the very generation it depends upon for its future.

Several factors are responsible for this menace. Peer pressure ranks foremost, as many young people take to drugs simply to belong to a group of friends. Unemployment and idleness push others into the habit, since the idle mind easily drifts into vice. Broken homes and poor parental care leave some children without guidance, while the desire to escape from stress, poverty or examination pressure drives yet others to seek false comfort in drugs. The easy availability of these substances and the negative influence of certain films and songs worsen the situation.

The effects are ruinous. Drug abuse destroys the health of the youth, wrecks their academic future and fuels crimes such as cultism, armed robbery and violence. Many young lives have been cut short or reduced to madness because of this evil.

How, then, can it be curbed? First, parents must train and monitor their children closely, teaching them the dangers of drugs from an early age. Second, schools should intensify enlightenment campaigns and set up counselling units to guide troubled students. Third, government must strengthen the agencies fighting the drug trade, punish dealers severely and build rehabilitation centres for victims. Fourth, gainful employment and healthy recreation should be provided to keep young people meaningfully engaged. Above all, the youths themselves must have the courage to say a firm "No" to drugs.

The battle against drug abuse is a collective one. If parents, schools, government and the youth join hands, this menace can be defeated, and our young people can be saved for the noble future that awaits them.