Drug abuse and addiction has become a major issue in Ghana in recent times. There is little to no education on it which has now turn into an epidemic affecting majority of the youth. It has spread it wings from urban to the rural areas. Drug abuse and addiction never seems to be a big deal until one is enslaved to it and reality dawns upon him or her. The Ghanaian youths have turned to drugs for relief whiles embracing the fun that comes with it and disregarding the consequences including the negative effects attached to it.
The question is, what is drug abuse?
Drug abuse is the habitual intake of legal (prescribed) and illegal drugs for purposes of which they are not meant for or used in excessive amount. Addiction is a disease that affects the brain and behavior of an individual. When one is addicted to drugs they cannot resist the urge to take them. It is worrying to see drug addicts go through thick and thin to grab small quantity of their preferred drug just so they can be at ease.
According to an article published by BioMed Research International in August 2021 on Ghana, a study reported the daily use of alcohol and marijuana among the youth to be 12% and 16.2% respectively. In another article published, it was estimated that about 1.25 million Ghanaians were battling with issues of drug use, mostly marijuana. The upsurge in drug abuse and addiction is of great concern and should not be taken for granted. Today, the Ghanaian youths, irrespective of where they find themselves openly take drugs and it effect is the least of their worry. Should that be the case? It is disturbing to see that not only adults but adolescents are exposed to these drugs and at a very young age and cannot refrain from it due addiction.
THE PREFERRED DRUG
There are a lot of drugs that are abused by the youths, be it legal or illegal. Certain drugs are prescribed for medical purposes however it is abused. Codeine and tramadol are no exception. Codeine is an opioid for the treatment of mild and moderate pain and for cough suppression while tramadol is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. The youths today use these drugs for different purposes. Other drugs such as cannabis or marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine andheroin are also abused. Users of these drugs take either one of such or combine two or more to take. Cannabis remains the most popular illegal drug in Ghana and is used to make weed oil for baking, frying, making toffees and even “shito” which are patronized by people.
CAUSES OF DRUG ADDICTION
Further, as stated by medical experts, individuals who get addicted to drugs and alcohol are most likely battling with various personal challenges such as family issues (broken home, single parenting and lack of parental guidance or supervision), homicides or suicides, cardiovascular disease, mental disorder and so on.The cause of drug addiction and abuse varies from person to person due the personal challenges we encounter. Other factors leading to drug abuse and addiction includes peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress and unemployment.
WHY TURN TO DRUGS?
Furthermore, in an interview with a number of drug users, it was revealed that they turn to drugs as result of boredom, curiosity, overconfidence (proving to friends how much drug they can take without getting any reaction) and to escape from reality. It is said that the devil find work for the idle hand, therefore, if the youth are unemployed, frustrated and depressed about life, they turn to drugs. Kwesi, not his real name said “I have no one to talk to and feel lonely most of the time so I take the drugs, it gives me appetitive and I am able to sleep well too.” Another person said it enable him to last in bed by prolonging the number of minutes for sexual activities. It is important to note that all these drug users including children and students have their reasons for turning to drugs but should that be the case? The answer is NO.
SYMPTOMS OF ADDICTION
Additionally, the symptoms of drug addiction include intense urge to take the drug on a regular base, thereby needing more drugs to get the same effect. Taking larger amount of drug than before, spending all money on drugs even though you cannot afford, going out of ones means to get drugs by doing things one would not do on a regular day. Loss of appetite, weight and change in appearance. There are also psychological changes that occur during this stage. This includes anxiety, sudden mood swing, anger, change in attitude and personality, lack of motivation, emotional and mental withdrawal from people are also signs of addiction. When addiction is drawn all over one’s body, one becomes physically, emotionally, socially and mentally dependent on a particular drug without thinking about the adverse consequences.
EFFECTS
However, drug or substance abuse has short and long term effect on a person’s general health, including physical, mental and emotional health. The misuse of drugs has effect on almost all the organs of the body. According to experts, it weakens the immune system which increases the risk of illness and various infections. It leads to heart conditions, lung diseases, seizures, stroke, mental confusion and brain damage. One can attest to the fact that an individual who is addicted to drugs loses weight, neglect their appearance and ends up talking aloud with no-one. The effect of drug abuse is highly dependent on the type of drug used, personal challenges, family life, attitude and the level of insight they have on their current state. Despite the fact that drug users believe drugs serves as a reliever and an escape from reality, it has harmful effect and can lead one into facing criminal charges.
SOLUTIONS
Nonetheless, drug addiction can be curbed by putting in place several measures. As stated by Mahatma Gandhi, “strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from indomitable will.” The first step in fighting addiction is acceptance and admitting to being an addict. The next step is seeking medical help and treatment. The government of Ghana must ensure that adolescents (students), youth and citizens in general are educated on drug abuse and it effect. The Narcotics Control Board must intensify education and harmer on the effects of drug abuse and addiction. Emphasis must be laid on the need to speak up when influenced by others or exposed to harmful drugs. Parents must be encouraged to build good relationship with their children and guide them in every step of their life. Engagement in physical, social and healthy activities are good ways of keeping one busy.
Finally, there should be structured treatment programs, substance abuse counselling and policies to help curb this epidemic. The law enforcers must as well deal with individuals who go against the laws governing narcotics by holding them accountable.
CONCLUSION
In a nutshell, when these measures are put into consideration it would help reduce the high percentage of drug addiction in the country. Let us learn to say no to drugs because abstinence is the best.
Author: Neequaye Ayisha Naa-Kuokor (ankneequaye@gmail.com)
