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Tramadol abuse among youth reaches alarming height …FDA, Nat’l Security urged to act
A Reverend Father and Clinical Psychologist at the Eastern Regional Hospital, Dr Isaac Acheampong Sarfo, has warned that the youth, representing Ghana future workforce, could be crippled if nothing is done about the growing abuse of Tramadol.
He said the abuse of the drug has assumed levels that requires an urgent need for collective action to curb it, cautioning that if it was left unchecked, it could cripple the country’s future workforce and derail national development.
What is more worrying now, he stated, was the fact that the drug Tramadol, originally prescribed as a painkiller, is being processed into cakes, drinks, and toffees, making it more accessible and discreet to consume.
In an interview with The Spectator, Rev. Dr Sarfo explained that the drug’s addictive potential was high, whether prescribed or not, because it caused the release of dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and calmness.
“It seems as though we’re asleep while the future of our nation is quietly being destroyed. If we don’t act now, these young people will be unable to shoulder future responsibilities, and the entire nation will suffer,” he lamented.
Tramadol has become a drug of choice for a section of the youth for its euphoric and mood-enhancing effects due to its interaction with opioid receptors in the brain.
He explained that over time, users build a tolerance and required higher doses, risking overdose and dependence, alerting that continuous use could overwhelm the nervous system, leading to life-threatening conditions.
Common signs among abusers includes mood swings, emotional instability, hallucinations, depression, and withdrawal from family and social circles.
Abusers also engaged in risky behaviours and suffer from cognitive issues like poor concentration, confusion, and slower reaction times.
“Tramadol abuse can also impact the development of adolescent brains, especially in areas tied to judgment, impulse control, and decision-making. It consequences include academic failure, poor memory, and social maladjustment,” he stated.
Dr Sarfo, who is also the Director of Counselling at the Koforidua Technical University, warned that the healthcare system could become overwhelmed, with rising cases of addiction and mental health challenges.
To tackle this crisis, Dr Sarfo called for a multi-sectoral approach and urged the government, particularly the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and National Security to intensify efforts to stem the import and distribution of the drug as well as sales points.
He also appealed to religious leaders to speak out against drug abuse with compassion, and for parents to be more attentive and involved in their children’s lives.
Furthermore, Dr Sarfo called for the establishment of active youth centres that can provide guidance and resources to tackle some of these societal problems.
He advised the youth to engage in important things that could guarantee them a brighter future and disengage from Tramadol abuse which offered no benefit but only led to misery and loss of purpose.
He urged those already affected to seek counselling and rehabilitation, urging all stakeholders work together to save the nation’s future.
By Ama Tekyiwaa
Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua