Abuse of Unusual drugs

Drug abuse, misuse and addiction are major issues in society because of their immense personal, social and economic costs. They also have important mental health implications. A very common misconception in that drug misuse is simply a search for fun. In fact, people take drugs for many reasons other than to get the buzz or high. Indeed, studies have shown that straight formal pleasure seeking is the primary reason for initiation of drug use in fewer than 20 percent of individuals. While the high or buzz is the most obvious   pleasurable effect, many people also describe using drugs to feel conformably numb, pleasantly drowsy or full of energy and confidence. Many others will be chasing the high or buzz that they first experienced, always trying to attain the intensity of their initial experiences. Still others will be self-medicating for anxiety, anger, for pain, for boredom, lack of motivation, lack of self-confidence, and many others.

            It is important to ascertain the reasons for drug use such that it can lead to effective interventions. For instance, many alcoholics will point to anxiety as their reason for drinking as Some may have suffered embarrassment in relating with the opposite sex and experience   setbacks among the peer group in terms of academic and possible material status. This reason also drives them to abuse stimulants with profound negative effects on their minds. Undetected depressive illness is also particularly associated with excess alcoholic intake. A vicious cycle then develops because both alcohol and its withdrawal actual make the depression worse. This may invariably increase the risk of suicide in such patients. Poor academic performances, unfavorable socioeconomic factors, family disintegration and a pervasive feeling of   hopelessness  predispose to  some of the psychological states that could predispose to abuse   of drugs. Some folks also use drugs especially psychedelics in search of meaning and mystical expression. An opiate   addict may use the same dose of heroin to get going in the morning, to ‘topoff’ a pleasant experience later in the day, to deal with angry feelings when they occur, and to promote sleep at night. The use of drugs in any circumstance; therapeutic or otherwise can be associated with problems although the nature and scale of these varies. Problem use and misuse usually refer to use of drugs (prescription or other) for pleasure but with disregard for the personal or social dangers. Alcohol misuse can lead to irresponsible behaviour whilst intoxicated and if prolonged to liver, stomach and brain damage without the individual being dependent on it. Several on the counter drugs may fall into this category especially not on the immediate gazette of action of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. The list of prohibited drugs that the agency deals with is in conformity with international standards as endorsed by the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime. The poor lad in the poor downtown areas may never have access to cocaine or heroin but can get   cheaper available brain-altering drugs. This obviously poses a great challenge to the  NDLEA, the family and teachers to ensure that the mental health of our youths are protected The supply reduction strategies  may work for the listed elitist drugs of abuse but ineffective for  the  ‘on the counter drug’ that are being recklessly abused  by our youths. There is a growing problem of abuse of codeine cough syrup with strong adductive properties and dangerous when mixed with others.

 Young people come up with concoctions at parties   which include the cough syrup, sprite or mountain dew as flavors with several slang names. These affect their mental stability with attendant   poor academic performances, impaired judgment causing RTAS and irresponsible sexual experiences apart from being hooked. Withdrawing from it may lead to seizures and other abnormal brain malfunctioning? Another prescription drug being abused is pentazocine which is a synthetic, narcotic pain killer; usually used for the relief of moderate to severe pain secondary to several conditions. It is largely abused by SS patients as a result of their high crises and health workers because of access. There are various complications associated with its use including skin fibrosis, destruction of the major muscles useful in movement as they become calcified. It is also capable of causing high blood pressure or increase high heart rate by increasing cardiac work. It can also cause the heart and respiration to stop functioning after a prolonged use apart from its effect on the liver. There are many other drugs being locally abused by our drivers, athletes, Okada riders that could damage the brain and shorten life span. In the northern part of the country; substances like “solution”, sniffing pit latrines, roots and tubers may have profound negative psychoactive properties beyond  the watch of the  NDLEA,    mental health workers  teachers  and parents. We all need to be vigilant.  
Dr. Adeoye Oyewole
adeoyewole2000@yahoo.com
+234 803 490 5808 (WhatsApp Only)