The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has raised concern over the increasing abuse of illicit drugs and the misuse of prescription medicines in Garissa County.
NACADA’s North Eastern Regional Coordinator, Jacob Aduda, said the trend has been fueled by some pharmacies dispensing prescription-only medicines without requiring a valid doctor’s prescription, contrary to the law.
Aduda identified cannabis as the most commonly abused illicit drug in Garissa, attributing its widespread use to its easy availability through cross-border trafficking.
He also warned of growing misuse of steroids, particularly among young women, noting that drugs such as dexamethasone are being abused in various forms, including tablets, injections, creams and even when mixed into products such as honey.
He urged government agencies, healthcare providers and other stakeholders to strengthen prevention efforts, expand access to treatment services and enforce regulations to curb drug abuse in the county.
