The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is annually observed on 26th June
This is a commemorative day to highlight the dangers of drug use and their illegal trade and provide educational material to teachers and public officials all over the world to help spread the message about the extreme cultural and economic harm the trade in drugs is still doing across the globe. This day is dedicated towards the betterment of the lives of the people who are suffering from drug abuse and other addictions. The day acts as a reminder to the masses that these people must become participants in various rehabilitation programmes.
Drug abuse or drug addiction is a psychiatric, social and psychological problem that not only affects the youth of the entire world but affects a large area of people of different age. It ruins the individuals and the society in manifolds- socially, physically, culturally, emotionally and economically. Acting on the brain of the living, the drug spawns a broad range of disorders like fear, anxiety and a sense of insecurity in them.
Although it’s not discussed enough, Nigeria has a real drug problem which was highlighted recently in a documentary about the illegal sale and use of codeine which has led to several cases of codeine addiction around the country. The use of codeine is now so widespread that it is even acknowledged in our pop culture with songs such as the popular science student by Olamide.
Codeine is addictive and ideally should only be obtained with a prescription. When used for long periods of time, mental and physical dependence can occur.
Serious side effects of codeine include:
- Life-threatening respiratory depression
- Severe low blood pressure
- Problems with the adrenal glands
- Accidental ingestion of codeine can result in fatal overdose in case you didn’t understand, this means that when taken in some quantities codeine can lead to death.
These effects are even worse when alcohol is added to the mix.
Another commonly abused drug is Tramadol. This is another opioid which is normally prescribed for pain.
Tramadol is a narcotic and is addictive. Tramadol is a controlled substance that has been associated with addiction, abuse, and misuse. Tramadol may be addictive, even at the prescribed dosage. Abuse or misuse of tramadol can lead to overdose and death.
Commonly reported side effects include
- nausea,
- constipation,
- dizziness,
- headache,
- euphoria,
- indigestion,
- spasticity,
- weakness,
- drowsiness, and
- vomiting.
Like other opioids, people who take tramadol for a long time will develop withdrawal symptoms if the dosage is reduced, or if a person suddenly stops taking tramadol.
Pain killers are a commonly abused prescription drug mainly because they have higher addiction potential. However antibiotics can also be abused when they are taken without prescription and this also happens very commonly and can lead to antibiotic resistance.
These are just examples of the many prescription drugs being abused. All around us everyday people are abusing both prescription and non-prescription drugs. This is very dangerous and can have many wide reaching consequences for individuals, families and the society at large. Drug addiction has led to several cases of hospitalization for a variety of issues related to both mental and physical health. Drug addiction can derail lives and lead to chronic illnesses that can be very expensive to treat and even eventually lead to death.
It is in the interest of all of us to do what we can to prevent drug abuse. If you know someone who is at risk of drug dependence or is showing signs of drug abuse you can help by referring them to a rehabilitation centre where they can receive treatment for addiction.
