SOME PEOPLE ARE GETTING HIGH WITH ANTI-DIARRHEA.

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Source: Pixabay

Drug abuse or addiction has become a thing of worry in our society today because of the damage it has on the health on the victims. Recently the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) decided to declare Olamide's Science Student unfit for broadcast. The notion is that it was going to promote the use of such medical drugs as codeine and tramadol as mentioned in the song among the youths of today. I believe that all hands must be on deck to prevent this surge of drug abuse and addiction in our today youths.

A recent article by Tech Times of America, has just highlighted that some people are now turning to anti-diarrhea medications containing significant amounts of Imodium A-D to satisfy their opioid addiction. This has become a major issue in America and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now instructed manufacturers to limit the amount of loperamide in retail packaging.

What actions are we taking in Nigeria today to prevent this particular drug from been abused or addicted to?

The symptoms of drug abuse or addiction in an individual can be divided into both physical and behavioral.

 Physical Symptoms:
  • Bloodshot or glazed eyes.
  • Dilated or constricted pupils.
  • Abrupt weight changes.
  • Bruises, infections, or other physical signs at the drug’s entrance site on the body.
  • Sweating
  • Staggering
  • Tremors
  • Agitation
  • Convulsions
  • Hallucinations
  • Vomiting and nausea
Behavioral Symptoms:
  • Increased aggression or irritability.
  • Changes in attitude/personality.
  • Lethargy.
  • Depression.
  • Sudden changes in a social network.
  • Dramatic changes in habits and/or priorities.
  • Financial problems.
  • Involvement in criminal activity.

Learning to recognize the physical or behavioral signs of drug abuse can help prevent the problem from progressing further.

How to give first aid for drug abuse?
  • Check the airways of the patient, pulse and breathing. If it is necessary, begin conducting CPR. In case the drug abuse victim is not awake but breathing, you should place him or her in recovery position. On the other hand, if he is conscious, loosen the clothes, keep him warm and let him be patient that all will be well. Let the patient remain calm. If there is an overdose, prevent the victim from taking more of the drugs. Then, call for instant medical emergency.
  • Treat the victim for symptoms of shock if it is necessary. Signs of shock in a drug abuse victim include bluish lips, weakness, clammy skin, paleness and decreased alertness.
  • If the patient shows signs of seizures provide first aid by clearing the surrounding area and supporting the head / neck.
  • Keep on checking the victim’s important signs such as rate of breathing, blood pressure and pulse until the emergency medical providers arrive at the scene.
  • Try as much as you can to determine the drug taken by the victims and when they were taken. Save any of the pill bottles or drug containers and give this information to the emergency help personnel.
Don’ts During the First Aid
  • Never jeopardize your safety when offering the fist aid. Some medications or drugs can lead to unpredictable or violent behaviors that might make the patient cause injuries to you. When you recognize such signs, call for professional assistance immediately.
  • Do not reason with any victim of drugs. This is because you do not expect them to behave reasonably because of the effects of the drugs.
  • When providing help, you should not try to give your opinions. You do not need to understand the cause of the drug abuse so that you can offer first aid. These are things you should inquire later but not when immediate help is required.

#BePrepared
#GetTheSkill
#GetTheKit
#BeFABulouS 

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