The Mental Health Authority of Ghana has raised alarms about the rising trend of mental health disorders linked to alcohol and psychoactive substance abuse.
According to the authority’s latest report, 3,765 cases of mental disorders related to alcohol use were recorded in 2023, with an additional 5,554 cases attributed to other psychoactive substances.
The report, released on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Wednesday, June 26, highlighted a concerning five-year trend of increasing mental health issues due to substance abuse.
Data from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) showed a steady rise in cases from 4,155 in 2019 to 5,554 in 2023, with the most affected age range being 20–34 years. Alarmingly, children as young as 10–14 years old are also presenting with conditions stemming from drug use.
This year’s theme, ‘Evidence is clear: Invest in prevention,’ reaffirms the authority’s commitment to addressing the challenges and effects of drug abuse in the country.
The authority has expressed concern over the growing trend and has partnered with stakeholders to combat the issue through education, publication, and policy advocacy, emphasizing the need for increased investment in prevention and evidence-based interventions.