The issue of drug abuse among young people has become a growing concern in the Upper East Region and Ghana as a whole, with experts calling for immediate action to address the alarming trend.
Dr. Dennis Daliri, a psychiatrist in the region, attributes the increase in drug use to peer pressure and the natural curiosity of youth who are eager to explore new experiences.
“We seem to be having this problem primarily due to peer pressure and the fact that, as youth, we are quite inquisitive and want to explore,” Dr. Daliri stated.
According to him, the ease with which young people access substances from neighboring countries is worsening the situation in the Upper East Region.
“We really have a big problem in the Upper East Region. In our case, it might be worse because of the proximity to the borders. Evidence shows that a lot of these substances actually come from our neighboring countries,” he explained.
While marijuana remains the most commonly abused drug, Dr. Daliri noted that substances like shisha and tramadol have also gained popularity among local youth. He expressed particular concern about the misuse of tramadol, a prescription drug that is frequently sold illegally in high doses far exceeding the prescribed limits. This dangerous trend is contributing to a surge in addiction and health complications among the youth in the region.
“Tramadol, primarily, is supposed to be a prescribed drug. However, the unfortunate thing we are seeing is that the prescribed dosage in the system is usually a maximum of about 100 mg. But these days, we have 225 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg versions, and so on. These particular doses are not the prescribed ones we have in our system,” he noted.
Speaking during an interview on A1 Radio, Dr. Daliri emphasized the importance of prevention, stating that addiction to substances like tramadol can develop quickly—often within just two weeks of consistent use. He warned that while breaking free from addiction can take a lifetime, preventing it in the first place is the best solution.
“I have always argued that it is best not to start. If you take highly addictive drugs like opioids, which tramadol belongs to, and use them consistently for about two weeks, you are technically addicted. That is basically what happens. So, the best choice is to avoid them entirely. But for those already addicted, a lot of advocacy, education, and public awareness are needed to help them recognize their problem and seek help.”
“It takes a very short time to develop an addiction, but it can take a lifetime to break free from it,” he added.
Dr. Daliri also highlighted the painful withdrawal symptoms experienced by those addicted to opioids, such as tramadol, and stressed the need for proper medical intervention and detoxification to aid recovery. He called for greater awareness, public education, and advocacy to help individuals recognize their addiction and seek help early.
In addition to these efforts, he emphasized the need for stronger policies to prevent the easy availability of illegal drugs on the black market, particularly by tightening control over border security. He urged young people to be aware of the harmful consequences of drug use, advising them to make informed choices and stay away from substances that could lead to irreversible harm.
“There is nothing beneficial in these substances that we abuse. Initially, they give you that euphoric feeling, making you feel like you’re on top of the world. But when the effects fade, they take away more than just the high—they take away your life. So, I advise all young people in the region and, by extension, the country at large, to be mindful of the dangers and negative effects of these substances. Let’s all stay away from them so we can live better lives for ourselves and for Mother Ghana,” he urged.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
