The use of a chemical substances to create pleasurable effects in the brain, in Cameroon, is seen in individuals from nearly all occupations. Though seen in different age groups, illicit drug usage is common in young adults under the age of 30. A survey in Cameroon revealed that more than 44% of young students have tried a hard substance at least once.
At the top of the list of commonly abused substances, in Cameroon, is alcohol. It ranges from easy-to-get, cheap beers to expensive gins. Abusers fancy the relaxed, tolerant, lively, and cheerful behaviours associated with the consumption of alcohol.
Second on this list is marijuana and cigarettes. Consumers falsely believe that these drugs confer wisdom, instil a spirit of calmness associated with out-of-this-world confidence, and increase work rate.
Next on this list is Tramadol. Tramadol is an opioid derivative (from the opium plant). It is commonly used in hospitals as a pain killer. Individuals abusing this drug believe that it enhances one’s sexual performance and also, one’s work rate.
At the bottom of this list is cocaine. It is expensive, hard to acquire, and considered a rich man’s drug. Those using this drug belong to the top tier of society. Most middle or lower class citizens who are exposed to this drug prefer to traffic or deal in it rather than use it.
What these users fail to notice is that they are attracted to the addictive feel-good sensation associated with the consumption of the aforementioned substances. Drug-abusing youths litter the streets of Cameroon. In such environments littered with drug abusers, one cannot help but notice the complete lack of hygiene, an atmosphere saturated with the display of false self-confidence, aggression, and profound obscenity. Thus, drug abuse is a malignant cancer that societies must cut out before it can further spread.
BACK TO TRAMADOL
But to come back to Tramadol. You should know that opioids are the most powerful painkillers on earth. There is practically no other powerful class of painkiller beyond opioids. Tramadol is, however, a weak opioid. Like any opioid, tramadol is a potent pain killer. Unfortunately it is often abused by users who get a high from it. We can't replace tramadol in our health system, because its substitutes are opioids also. You see the thing is, only an opioid can relieve the pain relieved by another opioid.
SO HOW DO WE FIGHT IT?
Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. should be used as first line treatment for pain. Opioids, such as tramadol, should only be used if over-the-counter painkillers are ineffective.
Opioids, such as tramadol, should be sold only if prescribed by a doctor.
The sale of these drugs should be controlled. In fact, there should be an age limit below which an individual can't purchase these drugs. If drug vendors, pharmacies, or health personnel/facilities are found guilty of indiscriminately selling tramadol, they should be punished. What's more, once an abuser is identified, his or her supplier should be traced and punished severely.
The truth is, tramadol is a necessary evil. Withdrawing this drug from the market is akin to condemning patients suffering from pain, which only tramadol can manage, to drown in their suffering. In addition, most opioids that could replace tramadol are more potent, and hence even more addictive. If that’s not a dilemma!
Dr Ndifor Judex
P.S Ndifor Judex is a medical doctor with a interest in alternative medicine. He currently works in internal medicine