In Nigeria, there are so many young people addicted to drugs. I am not just saying cocaine or weed. The drugs and substances they are addicted to now are:
– Tramadol
– Codeine
– Rohypnol
– Pentazocine
– Cough expectorant in coke, sprite, or lacasera
– Lacasera with Tom Tom
– Skuchi
– Gutter Water
– Dried poo
– Gum
Recently, I wore my #Tramadolisnotfood T-shirt to the airport and had conversations with some persons.
A father told me that a friend’s son was on codeine for more than a year and his friend didn’t know about it, until he almost died. They took him to a rehab. He said, parents are supposed to know their children.
Any change in behavior or lifestyle shouldn’t be overlooked. Therefore, these are three major ways you can know if your teen is addicted to drugs or substances.
- Notice the signs: You have to know your teen’s regular behavior, if there is any erratic behavior like anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, please you have to suspect that your teen is addicted to drugs.
Also, if you notice that your teen is always sneaking in with coke, sprite or lacasera regularly and he or she is always guarding it, please suspect drug abuse. They mix tramadol, codeine, rohypnol, cough expectorant with carbonated drinks.
If you see that your teen suddenly has insomnia, trouble breathing, seizures, drowsiness, etc. Please suspect drug abuse and see the doctor immediately.
- Ask questions:
I tell parents, Never Assume Your Teen Doesn’t Know About Drugs And Its Abuse.
Ask your teen questions about his or her knowledge about drugs. Ask leading questions. For example,
– What do your friends say about tramadol or codeine?
– What do you think about rohypnol?
– How do you guys use it at parties?
Based on the response, you can know how to help your teen. Please even if your teen is addicted to drugs and substances, get him or her to the doctor immediately in order to minimize the effects of withdrawal symptoms.
When a person tries to stop drugs or substances, he or she will experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be dangerous.
Please get close to your teen, be vigilant and ask questions. Together, we can stop drug abuse in Nigeria.
Oluwatosin Fatungase (Pharm)
Teen Behavioural Coach
@NoToDrugAbuse
Inspiring Greatness…
