By Nasratu Kargbo
Psychoactive substances have claimed the lives of many youths, resulting in two thousand nine hundred and fifty-five (2,955) persons registered for treatment at the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital in 2023, according to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Sartie Kenneh.
In statistics presented by Kenneh on the 18 March 2024 during a meeting with members of parliament, one can see that the figures have drastically increased over the past three years, with those between ages twenty to thirty-four being victims, making up 75% of the population in that facility.
Giving statistics on the growing number of drug users, he said in 2020 they had two hundred and twenty (220) persons registered, that rose to eight hundred and nineteen (819) in 2021 and one thousand seven hundred and fifty-nine (1,759) in 2022.
There is an increase of one thousand one hundred and ninety-six (1,196) persons from 2022 to 2023.
Highlighting figures of addicts to specific drugs, Kenneh said for 2023 the number of addicts brought into the facility for cannabis was one hundred and twenty-seven (127), those taken to the facility due to tramadol- seven hundred and one (701), whilst patients taken to the institution because of kush were one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five (1,865).
He said the data from that facility gives an insight into the situation across the country, but said they are currently conducting a nationwide survey to get the prevalence of the drug, which will end in two to three months.
Kenneh mentioned Marshmallow as being a major component in the production of Kush, explaining that when they did the analysis they found out that it contains diazepam valium, anti-malaria drugs, formaldehyde, and acetone which he stressed are very hazardous.
He said the addicts come with different symptoms such as cardiac, kidney, and limb issues, and others with multiple organ failure, noting that with these syndromes, the medical practitioners are still understudying them.
Whilst listing the challenges, the Doctor commended the medical staff for dealing with the situation despite its novelty and not fully understanding what kush is.
He admitted“so, I’ll say even the health sector might not be hundred percent strong to handle it in totality, we will gain experience as we go”.
The CMO said during rehabilitation the withdrawal syndrome comes in with some addicts very agitated, violent,or depressed. He mentioned lack of enough manpower, rehabilitation centre, and no equipment for chemical toxicology, amongst many other challenges they are faced with.
According to research, acetone which is one of the chemicals found in marshmallows is normally used by companies in the production of nail, paint, and varnish remover. It is also used for the production of plastics, lacquers, etc. Formaldehyde is usually used to preserve dead bodies; research has indicated that it causes myeloid leukemia and rare cancers. Kush is now the country’s biggest threat, killing its human capital and rendering others useless.
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