Youths using drugs as a coping mechanism is very common in Fiji and this is a serious concern.
This was highlighted by a Representative of the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council, Pauliasi Cabe while speaking to Youth Leaders adding that these young people engage in this is because of stress and family problems but they need to be empowered to know more about the complications of marijuana as the common drug used by them.
Cabe says there are so many doors of opportunities for youths but in many cases in a short span of time they can end up behind bars making the wrong decisions.
He gave an example of a famous rugby league player from a Lautoka based school who use to take marijuana before every game he played.
Cabe says this student was a potential national rep but ended up in St Giles Hospital.
He also reminded the youths that Fiji does not have a drug rehab centre that is specialised to help those who have developed problems from using drugs.
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