Back to school: parents, a bulwark against drugs according to Healthy Ways

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Extract from the article: The Healthy Ways Togo association organized an awareness-raising session for parents on the theme: “The role of families in preventing the use of psychoactive substances among children and adolescents: parents, play your part.” The meeting, held...

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The Healthy Ways Togo association organized an awareness-raising session for parents on the theme: “The role of families in preventing the use of psychoactive substances among children and adolescents: parents, play your part.” The meeting, held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, in Lomé, raised parents' awareness of their responsibilities in combating and protecting children from psychoactive substance use.

A survey conducted by the National Consumers Alliance in Togo (ANCE) revealed that nearly 20% of young people aged 12 to 24 use drugs. In anticipation of the start of the school year, Healthy Ways Togo took direct action by focusing on basic education to prevent such behaviors, which are dangerous to the health of young people and to social peace. The scourge of addiction is a social issue. Children are mostly exposed to these substances on the streets, outside the family circle.

« A young addict loses their mental health and becomes violent towards their immediate environment and society, and those around them in general. They are a public danger. That is why we wanted to work through parents to influence the behavior of young adolescents. We are aware that the impact we can have is much greater at home. It is basic education, it is the first center of education. » explains Wilson-Bahun Kpoti Sitou, president of Healthy Ways.

Strategies for parents and young people

Presentations were given by Kombate-Manka Palamague, clinical psychologist in charge of treatment issues at the National Anti-Drug Committee (CNAD)-Togo, on the five types of parenting according to an American psychologist and their effects on children's lives; simple habits to adopt in order to monitor their children and detect changes if the child is using psychoactive substances, so that they can help them and contribute to a healthy, violence-free community. « We don't see the lives our children lead outside of school. We understand that we have to play our role as parents. We also understand that we need to communicate with them and avoid exposing them to harmful influences, » said Kueviakoe Ayoko Vignette, an assistant parent.

Above all else, parents must watch for the slightest change in their children's behavior. Warning signs include disturbed sleep patterns, declining school performance, violence and indiscipline, or the presence of cigarette butts in their pockets. It is also important to monitor their association with strange friends.

The association's secretary, Ouro-Sama Nytche Aicha, shared these warning signs with parents. « Sometimes children isolate themselves and suddenly become interested in their physical appearance, putting on perfume or wearing scented products to mask the unpleasant odors associated with drug use. Other children who are at a more advanced stage may neglect their appearance, become strange, aggressive, or overly lax, and some may sleep too much. Parents who closely monitor and understand their child's development will notice these signs, » she explained.

The association then emphasized the importance of communication within families and recommended that parents adopt a balanced parenting style, neither too lax nor too authoritarian. Creating a healthy environment that is open to dialogue allows children to feel safe and not seek refuge in drugs. If there are worrying signs, parents are advised to seek professional help, such as psychologists at health centers.

This meeting provided parents with the tools they need to strengthen their responsibilities and help them better protect their children. By teaching children to say no and educating parents about their role in prevention, the Healthy Ways association is sowing the seeds of hope for a safer future for young people.

Esther KOLANI