10/05/2025
Why Are African Youths vulnerable to Alcohol and Gambling?
Knowing the reason as to why this happens is crucial in developing an effective intervention and also preventing it.
Statistics from the W.H.O has it that more than 1 in every 4 African Youth between ages 18 to 30years has engaged in risky drinking behaviour, while participating in sport betting. The factors that are responsible cause them to go into this social ills as a coping mechanism. These includes:
* Economic hardship and unemployment,
*Peer pressure and social media influence,
*Aggressive and enticing marketing by Alcohol and gambling companies,
*The role of technology and easy accessibility to mobile betting Apps,
*Weak regulations and poor enforcement of laws,
*Lack of Awareness and Education on Addiction,
*Psychological and Emotional stress like depression, anxiety etc.
What can we do?
-Parents Role: we should be intentional and practical in shielding our children and young ones from Alcohol and gambling by:
*Financial empowerment through income-generating ventures,
*Spiritual guidance at home( Prov 22:6)
*Open communication and awareness of the possible triggers,
*Being good role models to our children and youths.
-Church and Community Role:
*Mentorship,
*Discipleship,
*Support groups for those already in it
*Counselling and integration
*Literacy program and awareness campaigns,
*Youth friendly Advocacies.
* Incorporate Drug Awareness in Youth programs.
The Seventh-day Adventist church in West African Division has mapped out the Month of May for Drug Awareness yearly. The theme for this year is ' Alcohol and Gambling Addiction: A threat to the development of African Youth'.
Join us in passing this message until next week when we bring another topic on above theme.
Special credits to:
Pastor(Dr)Paul Amo Kyeremeh...Health Director of the Division(WAD).
Pastor Sintim- Aboagye Eric
Elder(Dr) Akoko Sokiprim, Associate Health Director of the Union(ENUC).
