Medical experts caution against internet, drug addiction


To minimise rising psychological problems in the society, a consultant psychiatrist at the Federal Nueropsychaiatric Hospital, Enugu, Dr  Nok Obayi, has advised against engaging in internet addiction, drug addiction pornography, alcohol addiction, cigarette smoking and gaming, pointing out that they are capable of sparking off some of the mental illnesses in the society.


Obayi  noted that the consumption of drugs as Indian hemp, tramadol, and other such related drugs could also cause mental illness.

Presenting a paper titled “Addictions and mental illness – an overview”, at a symposium organised by the association of catholic medical practitioners of Nigeria, Enugu state chapter inside the main hall of St. Lumba’s Catholic Church, New Haven, Enugu, Wednesday, the medical doctor warned Nigerians against both drug addiction and internet addiction, pointing out that the consequences of involvement in the bad habits could have long psychological effect.

He continued: “If you watch anyone involved in internet or drug addiction closely, you will notice that his behaviour is changing and it is not normal, and that is a strong signal of mental illness.”

On the way forward, Obayi, advised those affected to change their life style, carryout periodic physical exercise, and avoid stress and consumption of illicit drugs as India hemp, adding that “depression is a major cause of suicide, any behaviour that is not in conformity with societal norm  should be reported for close monitoring.”

He also recommended that anyone that noticed such abnormal behaviour should approach catholic priests and health care providers for help because of their spiritual expertise, adding that those who come down with mental illness should not always be thinking that their ill health was caused by enemies.

A former deputy vice chancellor of the university of Nigeria, Enugu-campus, Professor Bede Ibe, advised parents to stop buying smart phones for their children under  age 18, stressing that the use of such handsets could affect the psychological and emotional development of the children.

Professor Ibe, who is a consultant paediatrician at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu state, recalled that a recent state of the World Report by UNICEF, had also condemned use of smart phones by under-aged children, as many teenagers had not only lost their lives but also were abused through facebook.

He said, “the devastating effect of smart phone on children is frightening, wealthy parents should invest on educational materials for their children instead of smart phones”.

Ibe stated that the Catholic Medical Practitioners Association, Enugu state chapter was formed to give health care support to members of their immediate environment. He said that their periodic health outreach and symposia were to enable members to impact on society by contributing positively to the nation’s health sector.

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