For sometime now, codeine cough syrup has been a popular remedy for various coughs among Nigerians but there is more to it than just its cure for cough.
It is now known to have some content which causes addiction among kids and youths as the medicine has become a street drug.
Thousands of young Nigerians are addicted to codeine cough syrup. The government estimates that up to 3 million bottles of the addictive syrup are drunk every day in just two northern states.
If taken in excess, codeine can cause psychosis and organ failure.
According to BBC's Ruono Meyer whose brother has suffered from codeine cough syrup addiction. The strawberry tasting opioid hooked him after their father was killed.
Grief, depression, a desire to be cool are just some of the reasons Nigerians are falling for this drug. Musicians sing about the high it gives you. Dealers peddle it in nightclubs and on the streets. Teenagers mix it with soft drinks, or swig it straight from the bottle at “syrup parties”.
It can cause kidney problems,mental psychosis – delusions, hallucinations, and even schizophrenia.
The government has however ban the production and importation of the syrup as a step to curtail it's menace.
It is now known to have some content which causes addiction among kids and youths as the medicine has become a street drug.
Thousands of young Nigerians are addicted to codeine cough syrup. The government estimates that up to 3 million bottles of the addictive syrup are drunk every day in just two northern states.
If taken in excess, codeine can cause psychosis and organ failure.
According to BBC's Ruono Meyer whose brother has suffered from codeine cough syrup addiction. The strawberry tasting opioid hooked him after their father was killed.
Grief, depression, a desire to be cool are just some of the reasons Nigerians are falling for this drug. Musicians sing about the high it gives you. Dealers peddle it in nightclubs and on the streets. Teenagers mix it with soft drinks, or swig it straight from the bottle at “syrup parties”.
It can cause kidney problems,mental psychosis – delusions, hallucinations, and even schizophrenia.
The government has however ban the production and importation of the syrup as a step to curtail it's menace.
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