Drugs are substances that alter the rate of reaction in the body including the heart and brain. Saying no to drugs means saying no to excessive and illegal use of drugs.
For teenagers and adults, whose brains are still developing, the use of illegal drugs can lead to affection of decision making, memory and emotional stability.
Beyond health, drug addiction leads to poor academic performance, lack of employment and financial stability.
Saying no to drugs means saying yes to life. According to Kurt Cobain “drugs are a waste of time. They destroy your memory and self respect”.
Building a healthy and responsible generation requires a collective commitment to raising awareness and strengthening resilience among the youth in the following ways;
First and foremost, through education and awareness: Knowledge and education is the powerful weapon which we can use to change the world, so, educating citizens about the effect and negative outcomes of excessive use of drug, by creating awareness on television, magazines, newspapers, and radios can help to stay and say no to drug but ues to life.
Awareness can be a strongest weapon against drug addiction, as we know that adolescence is a serious stage for youth as peer pressure, it helps in developing the confidence to say “ no” to friends who pressure them to use drugs.
We should learn how to get high on grades but not on drugs, for the more we use drug, the less we live.
Engaging in some positive things like sports, community service will make us healthy and strong, reducing the use of drugs.
For example, TVC News reported on 11 May, 2026, the Education Ministry led by Dr Mary Alausa, partnered with NDLEA to tackle drug abuse in school.
As part of the partnership is the coordination of awareness campaigns, early intervention programmes to promote the healthy lifestyle of our youths.
To actualise that, Dr Alausa promised to introduce drug prevention education into secondary school curriculum and the establishment of a special substance abuse prevention unit.
With this, there will be a strong establishment of a healthy and responsible generation.
Furthermore, through moral support. A responsible generation does not walk alone, they have strong family relationships which acts as a primary source against drug abuse.
When youth feel supported, noticed and valued at home, they are less likely to seek alternative ways through risky and dangerous behaviours.
Open communication with parents, teachers and mentors allow for discussion of fear, effect of peer pressure and allowing them to ask questions without fear of immediate judgement.
Likewise community support and youth program centers, provides a protective environment that discourages the use of drugs.
Saying no to drugs is a commitment to protecting one’s mind, body and future.
A healthy and responsible generation is not immune to drugs, but it is equipped with the knowledge and support needed to overcome it, by choosing a lifestyle centered on purpose, healthy and positive relationships.
For example, on 27 June, 2025, News Central TV reported that young adults do drugs for major reasons, some of them have issues at home, some are peer pressure issues among their colleagues and friends at school.
As such, family challenges and peer pressure challenges have played a key role in driving many young people toward drugs.
Based on this, we should activate moral support for our youth as that will remit into building a healthy and responsible generation.
In conclusion, the decision to say no is a step toward building a healthy generation. Drug abuse is not a hobby or a gateway to joy; it is a rapid descent into destruction.
A responsible generation should understand that their choices today shape their tomorrow. Saying no to drugs is not just staying out of trouble; it is a crucial step toward building a healthy, strong and responsible generation.
Building a responsible generation requires us to understand that true enjoyment comes from achieving goals.