Ghanaian music icon Rex Omar has urged the public to show love and compassion towards individuals struggling with drug addiction.
He emphasized that stigmatizing them only hinders their path to recovery.
Speaking during a discussion on the documentary ‘Creative Addictions,’ produced by Kwame Dadzie and aired on JoyNews on April 2, 2024, Rex Omar stressed the importance of supporting those grappling with addiction rather than blaming or belittling them.
“I advise those who have not yet fallen victim to addiction to maintain a clean lifestyle. It’s possible to succeed and thrive without substances,” he remarked. “For those already struggling, we must extend a helping hand and not add to their feelings of inadequacy.”
Rex Omar highlighted factors such as shyness and societal pressure as contributing to drug use among creatives.
He mentioned that many artists, actors, and athletes turn to substances due to emotional sensitivity and the overwhelming expectations thrust upon them by society.
“Being in the limelight brings immense pressure, yet often the rewards may not match the expectations. This can lead to using substances as a coping mechanism,” he explained.
The renowned musician also addressed the role of managers and handlers in introducing drugs to industry professionals, cautioning against practices that exploit vulnerabilities for temporary confidence boosts.
He called on educational institutions and relevant authorities to intensify awareness campaigns about the dangers of drug addiction and provide adequate support systems for those in need.
The documentary ‘Creative Addictions’ delves into the personal journeys of creatives battling addiction and includes insights from psychiatric experts on effective interventions and support mechanisms.