Dr. Dennis Daliri, the only practising psychiatrist in the Upper East Region, has sounded the alarm over a disturbing rise in substance abuse among young people and pregnant women, warning of its severe implications for public health and societal stability.

In an interview with our Upper East Regional correspondent as part of Mental Health Month activities, Dr. Daliri revealed that preliminary findings from ongoing research by his department show a growing number of adolescents and expectant mothers engaging in the use of cannabis, alcohol, and other harmful substances.

According to Dr. Daliri, the surge in substance use is driven by a troubling mix of curiosity, easy access to drugs, and the normalisation of such habits within family settings.

“When young people grow up in environments where alcohol and marijuana use are treated as normal, they are far more likely to imitate that behaviour,” he said.

He described the current trend as “deeply troubling,” noting that substance use is no longer confined to recreational users but is now spreading among vulnerable groups like pregnant women.

This, he warned, poses serious risks not only to the mental well-being of the individuals involved but also to unborn children and the already overstretched psychiatric services in the region.

Dr. Daliri stressed that the issue extends beyond individual choices and must be addressed as a broader societal problem.

He called for a collective response involving families, educators, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

“We need to increase public education, tighten regulations on substance sales, and expand mental health services—especially in underserved regions like ours,” he urged.

He also appealed to the community and traditional leaders to help shift cultural attitudes and serve as positive role models, discouraging the glorification of substance use.

“Changing this narrative begins with awareness,” Dr. Daliri concluded.

“We all have a role to play in reversing this dangerous trend and protecting the mental health of our future generations.”