Substance abuse: Dr Cfine Okorochukwu set to rescue the youths.

Dr Cfine Okorochukwu, a medical doctor and an international development expert in the area of public health in this brief interview, discusses the importance of his new book and those who should get copies of the book. The title of the book is, Raising a Substance and Addiction Free Generation.

Excerpts:

Good evening DrCFine. Umuaka Times is very happy to have this time with you. Can you tell us about your new book? What is the title?

Thank you very much Umuaka Times. The title of the book is, Raising a Substance and Addiction Free Generation.

Why did you choose to write on such topic?

I wrote the book because of the menace substances are causing in our society.

Can you name the substances?

Alcohol, cannabis, heroin, igbo, and many others.

So what harm do these substances cause?

They destroy the brain, future; career, families and they cause a lot of harm to the families of the abusers especially when associated with madness. My experience over the decades shows that these problems are preventable.

How? Please explain.

Most of the causes are little gap in the lives of the users which were not decoded by their families and care givers at the right time. Most times children who passed through trauma such as separated homes, abused and molested children later in life take these substances leading to addiction.

Are there other things associated with substance use prevention?

Yes, robbery, gang-star activities, sexual violence and more. All these can endanger public health safety and cause injuries to others.

So what does the book say generally?

The book comes at a very right time and it says that we should start at a very right time to guide the children against substance abuse. Drug prevention and substance use prevention are not just a mere advice; it is an opportunity for us to guide the child from the age of 6 to adulthood on how to say no, how to manage stress when emotionally traumatized and to be conscious of themselves.

What is the impact the book is expected to create?

The impact we expect is that every family that has children from 6 years old should use this book to guide their children on how to manage stress, challenges, how to do self-care and anger management because emotional and psychological trauma may lead them into taking these substances as a way of becoming happy.

Do they feel happy for real?

Yes they really feel happy after the first try. It always starts with let me try it a little.

Tell us more about the impact.

So the impact is that the book will reduce the use of substances in the community as well as violence such as rape, accidents etc.

So who do you recommend the book for?

The book is for communities, NGOs, families, care-givers, schools, churches and more. The book will teach you how and when to say no. It will also reduce bullying in schools as well because bullying is another side effect of substance abuse.

May we know a little about you?

In addition to my role at CCSA, I am the founder of the Centre for Public Health (CPH).

Give more details please.

It is an organization I established during my undergraduate years at the University of Nigeria.  Under my leadership, CPH grew into a national organization operating in 24 of Nigeria’s 36 states.  The organization was granted special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2010, Associated with United Nations Department of Global Communications, and has since expanded its reach internationally.

Does the organization have regional offices?

The Centre for Public Health has offices in Zambia, Tanzania, USA with 501c3 status, Canada with Charity status, with plans to open offices in Kenya, Botswana, and Rwanda.

We heard that your experience spans to playing various roles including serving as the Director of Community Health Services at Tl’azt’en Nation in British Columbia, Canada?

Yes indeed but not limited to that alone.

Give details.

I have been the Manager, Community Services, Northern Health, BC, Canada, Director, United Nations Global NGO Executive Committee, Member Board of Director Canada Public Health Association (CPHA), Member Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs of American Public Health Association (APHA), Member WHO CSO Youth Working group, Member C7 CSO Working group advising the G7 countries on Health priorities, and as the Director of Health Promotion at the Centre for Public Health in Abia, Nigeria.

Tell us about your works in Nigeria.

My work has been instrumental in developing and implementing community health plans, disease prevention services, and advocating for necessary resources, leading to significant improvements in public health outcomes in Nigeria and beyond.

Besides your profession, what are you very passionate about?

Beyond my professional achievements, I am passionate about reading, travelling, and cooking.  My dedication to public health and community development continues to inspire and impact communities both in Nigeria and internationally.