The use of drugs by Nakuru youth has been blamed on the increasing cases of unprotected and unplanned for sex in the county. According to Dr Evelyn Juma, the officer in charge of the youth centre at the Rift Valley Hospital, alcohol and drugs interfere with parts of the brain responsible for decision making. “Alcohol and drug abuse hijacks the brain. Somebody is more likely to take risks and make senseless choices under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” she said. Addressing a group of youth who had visited the centre, Juma said drugs contain chemicals that change the way a person’s body works. She warned that some drugs are highly addictive and that the drugs damage key body organs. This damage, she said, may cause complications that are irreversible like brain and heart problems. She appealed to the youth to avoid peer pressure by being principled and ethical in their daily activities. “Wanting to belong and be liked by your age-mates may cost you your entire life,’’ she said. The youth centre has a counselling unit for victims of unwanted pregnancies and drugs. It is open six days a week except on Sunday and the services offered are free. Juma said the main objective of the centre, which was put up by the American government and is funded by various NGOs, is to educate the youth on the dangers of abusing drugs.

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