I couldn't control the tears in my brown eyes which had turned red.
The atmosphere was tensed ,there was weeping and gnashing of teeth as though rapture had taken place and we didn't make heaven.
My best friend, a mother's pride, the life of a party was lying helpless.
We didn't know what had happened to her until the doctor walked in. He sorrowfully revealed that she was raped and that a hotel attendant brought her to the hospital.
It was a sad day.
After several hours of waiting, my friend Andy finally woke up. I felt an unfathomable joy at least she was alive.
Her eyes were still blur and her body weak. The doctor requested for her blood and urine sample to run some test.
Anxiety filled our heart as we awaited the test results.
After waiting for couple of hours which felt like waiting for a century, the test results were out and she tested negative for HIV and Hepatitis B but positive for the presence of Rohypnol.
As a Yoruba woman, I exclaimed Ah! doctor which one is Rohypnol? My eyes lighted up as he began to explain to us. Rohypnol (chemical name Flunetrazepam)is an intermediate acting benzodiazepine used to treat severe insomnia and it is one of the most rapidly abused drug of choice for adolescents and young adults in certain parts of the world including Nigeria.
Rohypnol is a tranquilizer which is about ten times more potent than Valium. The drug is available as a white or olive-green pill and is usually sold in the manufacturer’s bubble packaging. Users crush the pills and snort the powder, sprinkle it on marijuana and smoke it, dissolve it in a drink or inject it. Rohypnol has been used to commit sexual assaults because it renders the victim incapable of resisting, giving it the reputation of a “date-rape” drug. Rohypnol users often describe its effects as “paralyzing.” The effects starts twenty to thirty minutes after taking the drug, peaks within two hours and may persist for eight or even twelve hours.
OMG ! So that's why Andy took so long to wake up, I said.
The doctor went further to explain that the drug can leave a person so incapacitated that they lie on the floor, eyes open, able to observe events but completely unable to move. Afterwards, memory is impaired and they cannot recall any of what happened.
Rohypnol use causes a number of adverse effects, which may last 12 hours or more, including:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Loss of motor control
- Decreased reaction time
- Impaired judgement
- Lack of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Aggression or excitability
- Loss of memory of events while under the influence (amnesia)
- Stomach disturbances
- Respiratory depression with higher doses.
I was amazed at the effects of the abuse of just one drug and immediately I had a voracious appetite for the knowledge of drug abuse so I turned the session to an interview since Andy was fast asleep again and the doctor was on break. We strolled down to the cafeteria as he answered my questions.
Me : What really is drug abuse?
Doctor: In general, a drug is any substance that can be taken into the body and, once taken, alters or affect some processes within the human body. Thus drugs should be used as appropriate, directed, prescribed in terms of frequency and quantity.
If a drug is used inappropriately (too often and/or at too high a quantity), not as directed, or not as prescribed, the drug is being misused/abused.
Me : So what leads people to drug abuse?
Doctor: There are several things that could lead to drug addiction.
1. Biology. The genes that people are born with account for about half of a person's risk for addiction. Gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders may also influence risk for drug use and addiction.
2.Environment. A person’s environment includes many different influences, from family and friends to economic status and general quality of life. Factors such as peer pressure, physical, verbal and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress, and parental guidance can greatly affect a person’s likelihood of drug use and addiction.
3.Development. Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a person’s life to affect addiction risk. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, but the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it will progress to addiction. This is particularly problematic for teens. Because areas in their brains that control decision-making, judgment, and self-control are still developing, teens may be especially prone to risky behaviors, including experimenting with drugs.
Me : What happens to the brain when a person abuses drugs?
Doctor: Most drugs affect the brain's "reward circuit," causing euphoria as well as flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. A properly functioning reward system motivates a person to repeat behaviors needed to thrive, such as eating and spending time with loved ones.
Surges of dopamine in the reward circuit cause the reinforcement of pleasurable but unhealthy behaviors like taking drugs, leading people to repeat the behavior again and again.
As a person continues to use drugs, the brain adapts by reducing the ability of cells in the reward circuit to respond to it. This reduces the high that the person feels compared to the high they felt when first taking the drug—an effect known as tolerance. They might take more of the drug to try and achieve the same high.
These brain adaptations often lead to the person becoming less and less able to derive pleasure from other things they once enjoyed, like food, sex, or social activities.
Long-term use also causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well, affecting functions that include:
- Learning
- Judgment
- Decision-making
- Stress
- Memory
- Behavior
Despite being aware of these harmful outcomes, many people who use drugs continue to take them, which is the nature of addiction.
Me : I have really learnt today but how can a person get rid of drug addiction.
Doctor : First, understand that recovery from drug abuse is NEVER out of reach, no matter how hopeless your situation seems.
With the right treatment and support, one can be set free.
I encourage patients not to give up—even if they've tried and failed before. The road to recovery often involves bumps, pitfalls, and setbacks.
The process of healing begins with:
1. The decision and determination to make a change: Recovery requires time, motivation, and support, but by making a decision to change, you can overcome your addiction and regain control of your life.
2. EVALUATE YOUR LIFE: Keep track of your drug use, including when and how much you use. This will give you a better sense of the role the addiction is playing in your life. By so doing the effects will be real to you.
Outline the pros and cons of quitting, as well as the costs and merits of continuing your drug use. Make sure you are sincere to yourself.
Consider the things that are crucial to you, such as your spouse,your kids, your friends, your career, or your health. How does your drug use affect those things?
Tell friends and family that you’re committing to recovery, and ask for their support.
3. EXPLORE TREATMENT OPTIONS:
- Detoxification. Usually the first step is to purge your body of drugs and manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Behavioral counseling. Individual, group, and/or family therapy can help you identify the root causes of your drug use, repair your relationships, and learn healthier coping skills.
- Medication may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, or treat any co-occurring mental health condition such as depression or anxiety.
- Long-term follow-up can help to prevent relapse and maintain sobriety. This may include attending regular in-person support groups or online meetings to help keep your recovery on track.
Finally, as a Christian I believe in the power of God for total change and recovery.
Most of the testimonies of freedom from drug addiction were through the power of God. Sincerely ask God for His help and grace to stay free from drugs.
Stay committed to the study of God's word and prayer.
Talk to a Pastor or counsellor if need be.
Be optimistic because your change is NOW.
Written By : ID-GREAT ADEGOKE
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