How can we stop the 'codeine menace' in Nigeria?
With a heavy heart, i ask, why do we abuse drugs?
There is a menace in Nigeria now where people see codeine syrups as another alternative to alcohol and a sure way to get high.
This is a drug manufactured purposely to suppress cough. The drug is not bad in itself because it was produced to help man. The problem is man who buy them for the sole purpose of abuse.
We know rationally and by experience that drug abuse has critical side effects on the user. We also know from the films we have watched that drug abuse lead to mental problem.
What i fail to get or understand is why people still abuse these drugs despite the apparent consequences. Is it the case that they do not value their lives or do but feel lunacy is a choice?
Today, the Federal Government of Nigeria banned the importation and production of codeine syrup because of its menace among some Nigerians.
Some of the youths have chosen to buy and drink codeine cough syrup as a way to get 'high'. Some of them mix this codeine with soft drinks and other just drink it 'raw'. Imagine a syrup bottle that the prescription reads: 1-2 tablespoonful morning and night being taken in large quantities within minutes?
Screenshot from the BBC video
I watched a BBC documentary where fellow human beings were chained on their legs because they have mental problem. According to the documentary, they were chained because they abuse codeine syrups.
I was demoralized when i saw that video. I saw flies, faeces and very unkept human beings dramatizing. I was shocked and sad. Why do we choose or love that which kills us than staying healthy? Why do people keep abusing these drugs despite all the awareness?
What differentiate us from the lesser animals when we don't listen and stay off things that will kill us? Why do people choose life of lunacy above sanity?
I still don't know why people choose to live in the shadow and be treated like animals when they can actually live their lives. Those chained would not have been chained had they listened to the experts, stay of drug abuse and choose to live rather than exist.
When are we going to be free from the menace of drug abuse? It's really sad to see those people chained on their legs.
Please share your view on the topic.
Thanks for your time.
Source
Benylin with codeine is a medication usually recommended when one has a cough. I ingested this as a young girl when I had cough, of course, the recommended dose.
Until Nigeria begins to take the health of her citizens very seriously, things will continue to get worse. Here in Serbia, you cannot buy medications which are not over the counter (OTC) drugs without doctor's prescription. A pharmacist or dispenser of medication will see the doctor's stamp before selling to the patient.
It might interest you to watch an interview of NAFDAC's DG on channelstv below.
@maryfavour.
This is truly a serious case. Thank you for your time ma
am sorry to tell you this but it cannot stop
People don't listen and most of this people involved in it are illiterates
This is sad! Most yes but not all. I believe we need to do more to sensitize them.
It is well o....... But one thing is this isn't happening only in Nigeria
Yes but a problem not solved here, is a problem for Africa. The crux is how do we stop this menace in Nigeria.