Mental Health Authority Reports Over 3,000 Mental Health Cases in 2023 Attributed to Alcohol Use
Written by GliveRadio Accra on June 26, 2024
The Mental Health Authority of Ghana has raised concerns about the rising incidence of mental health disorders linked to alcohol and psychoactive substance abuse.
In its latest report, the authority disclosed that in 2023, there were 3,765 recorded cases of mental disorders directly associated with alcohol use, along with an additional 5,554 cases attributed to the use of other psychoactive substances.
Released on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the report underscored a troubling five-year trend of escalating mental health challenges stemming from substance abuse.
Data from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) revealed a consistent increase in cases from 4,155 in 2019 to 5,554 in 2023, with individuals aged 20–34 years being the most affected demographic.
Disturbingly, children aged 10–14 years are now being diagnosed with conditions linked to drug use.
This year’s theme, ‘Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,’ underscores the authority’s commitment to tackling the growing challenge of drug abuse in the country.
Expressing concern over this trend, the authority has partnered with stakeholders to combat the issue through education, advocacy, and policy initiatives, emphasizing the urgent need for increased investment in prevention and evidence-based interventions.
“Data from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) consistently identifies mental disorders stemming from alcohol and other psychoactive substances among the top ten causes of mental health outpatient (OPD) visits.
“In 2023, there were a total of 3,765 cases of mental disorders attributed to alcohol use and 5,554 cases related to other psychoactive substances.
“Over the past five years, there has been a steady increase in mental disorders linked to psychoactive substance use, rising from 4,155 cases in 2019 to 5,554 cases in 2023. The age group most affected is 20–34 years, and concerning cases have been observed in children as young as 10–14 years due to drug use.”