Counselling Psychologist at the University of Ghana’s Careers and Counselling Directorate, Edwina Painstill, has cautioned that illicit drug use among students poses serious risks to mental well-being, cognitive function, and academic performance.
Her remarks follow growing concerns about substance use in student hostels, with many fearing it is undermining academic performance and disrupting campus life.
Speaking to Univers News on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Painstill explained that illicit drug use generally has adverse effects on mental well-being.
“When it comes to the use of illicit drugs, it generally affects your mental well-being. It alters your cognitive function, changes your mood, and affects the way you think,” she said.
She added that although some students claim certain drugs have medicinal benefits, they are often misused.
“Some will say, ‘Oh, but it is medicinal. It is this, it is that.’ But are you taking it the right way? That is why it is illegal. It affects your brain, it affects your ability to think, and when all these things are affected, how are you able to concentrate in class?” she stated.
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Story by Rocklyn Agyei | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
