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Drug abuse has been a menace in the society for a very long time. It is one of the myriad of social vices common among the youthful population. This is usually so because at this stage there's that youthful exuberance, that high level of inquisitiveness and that low level of responsibility for the immediate and future goals.

Drugs in themselves are usually not bad. In fact drugs were invented for specific purposes. However there are well laid out guidelines on how and when these drugs should be used. Deviating significantly from these guidelines constitutes an abuse of these drugs. Usually this refers to excessive use and overdosage of the drugs in question.

Different brands of drugs have been abused in the past leading the Government to enact laws to control the distribution of such drugs. The latest on the list is the recent media alert on the excessive abuse of Codeine; a content of some cough syrups. Usually small amounts of codeine can cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Patients on cough syrup with codeine or any other drug that has codeine in it are advised to take these at night or if taken during the day, they should not drive or operate any machinery. Now large amounts of this compound comes with greater side effects like hallucinations, somnolence, syncope and loss of consciousness.

However there's a euphoric feeling attached to high doses of this compound that leads to addiction.
Many youths take large amounts of codeine to attain a state called, 'highness' in which they drift into an abyss of euphoria and mania.

Unfortunately such feelings are only shortlived and they lead to constant cravings for more of the compound until the body system feels it cannot do without it. Then there are long-term complications such as mental retardation, depression and possibly suicidal tendencies.

The rate of codeine abuse has been increasing considerably over the years and recent statistics are quite alarming. This may not be unconnected to the fact that cough syrup is an over the counter medication and hence codeine is easily accessible to youths that need it. Obviously something has to be done about this worrying trend.

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Following the increased awareness of this issue the Federal Government has swung into action with making attempts to ban codeine containing cough syrups outrightly from the markets. However this may not be the right course of action in my own opinion.

Codeine as earlier pointed out has its usefulness. Apart from its suppressive effects on cough, it's also a very effective analgesic (pain killer) and is very efficient in controlling pain in cancer patients with bone metastasis. Banning the compound outrightly also leads to loss of the advantages as well. Alcohol addiction has its own effects but that has not lead to the ban of alcohol. Smoking is a well known addictive habit but that has not made them ban cigarettes. So it may not be necessary to ban codeine just yet. I believe the solution lies in enacting laws that control the manufacture, packaging and distribution of the compound. These laws should be adhered to strictly with competent individuals put in place to enforce them. There should be stiff penalties for culprits who break these laws which will serve as a deterrent to other potential law breakers.

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My fellow young people, if only we can join force by Saying "NoToDrugAbuse", and if you are already addicted, you can seek help. It's easier to live a life free of drug abuse. If not for anything, the money you spend on it can be used for something more productive.

Thank you for time.