A recovered drug addict, Mr Richard Opare, has described as fallacy the notion that users of marijuana could become as wise as the Holy Bible’s King Solomon with the perception that marijuana was found growing around the head part of his grave. He has therefore advised spiritual leaders, educationists, parents, guidance and individuals to preach the dangers of drugs and the importance of healthy living to eradicate the number of mental-related complication in the society. Richard Opare, founder of OPANEST Foundation was speaking on the International Day against drug abuse, reducing the demand and use of drugs on Joy FM’s Ultimate Health programme, Tuesday. According to Mr. Opare, people who indulge in hard drugs such as cocaine, alcohol, cannabis and marijuana are prone to madness and other health problems including untimely deaths. However, he said there is hope for addicted persons through determination and counseling adding that “…I am a nine-year living proof after 13 years of addiction”. He maintained that users of such drugs are digging their graves quickly. In addition, he said since an addicted person cannot narrate what happens to him after he has become addicted, he is likely to die smoothly in his opinion but in an ugly way saying, “…such drugs disgrace their addicts by causing serious damages to their health and career, before killing them.” He has, however, advised illicit drug users to stop it for a quality long life. Mr Opare observed that gone are the days when drug abuse is linked to people from rich background in society due to its cost "but today, it has become so common that some people sponsor their comrades with some doses". He pleaded with teachers who are fond of sending students to buy them Indian hemp to stop the act and advised students, who mix hot pepper ‘shito’ with marijuana or use it for tea to desist from the act because it is difficult to stop when one gets addicted to it. OPANEST Foundation is a non-governmental organisation that seeks to address, educate and counsel people on issues pertaining hard drugs like cocaine, marijuana and alcohol.