In our contemporary world, where drug abuse is becoming a norm, read this article to be enlightened on the negative effects of drug abuse, and how to play your part in the fight against drug abuse.
The doctor and nurses tried their best to bring Bolu back to life, but all their efforts failed, like trying to make a basket hold water – it was a futile attempt. Bolu, a once jovial and intelligent boy, had been snatched away by the cold hands of death. His mother wailed uncontrollably, her cries echoing through the house like a mournful dirge. All efforts to hold her and calm her down were fruitless, – the harder they tried, the more she slipped away. Papa Bolu nodded his head in silence, and let a loud sigh of grief every one minute, he tried to hold his tears but failed.
Bolu’s younger sister, Bose, cried silently, her heart boiling with pain as she remembered how her elder brother was introduced to drugs by neighbors and friends in school. Oga Seyi, a notorious hoodlum in their neighborhood, would send Bolu and other kids on errands to get harmful drugs like codeine, tramadol, and weed. He would ask them to take a little from each, slowly introducing them to the world of addiction. As Bolu grew older, he began to visit the drug store, disguised as a normal pharmacy, to get these hard drugs for himself.
Despite his parents’ warnings, Bolu became addicted to the drugs. He went from hiding his habit to openly taking the drugs, without caring if his parents saw him. His parents tried to talk to him, but he refused to listen. They eventually gave up, not seeking external help.
Bolu’s first terrible episode with the drug was when he took an overdose of tramadol, challenged by his best friend, Colins. He mixed over 150g of tramadol with alcohol and became unconscious, convulsing and pouring out thick saliva from his mouth like a faucet that wouldn’t turn off. Colins was scared and called for help, rushing Bolu to the hospital.
The doctors resuscitated Bolu, and his parents were advised to take him to rehab. However, they took it lightly and decided to handle the situation at home. When they got home, Bolu’s father called for a family meeting, he warned his son saying that the next time he sees Bolu with drugs, he will disown him and call the corps on Bolu. Bolu’s mother with tears in her eyes begged Bolu, telling him to not let her enemies laugh at her. His sister at the end of the living room, had so much say, but didn’t say a word. Bolu promised to change, but the visible change was short-lived.
When Bolu gained admission to the state university, he saw it as an opportunity to indulge in his addiction. He used his fees to buy drugs, gambled, and even sold his mother’s jewelry to fund his habit. Eventually, he was expelled from school after being caught taking drugs in his room.
Ashamed and unable to face his parents, Bolu went home and overdosed on drugs, leading to his death. His sister found his body lying cold on the floor, and her screams echoed through the house like a thunderclap on a stormy night.
Drug abuse has become a rampant issue in our society, affecting even preteens. Despite regulatory bodies, the problem persists. Drugs are meant to treat, cure, or prevent diseases, but their abuse has led to devastating consequences. Drug abuse is the use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts.
The causes of drug abuse include peer pressure, bad parenting, ignorance, socioeconomic status, environmental factors, and inefficiency of drug regulatory bodies. The effects of drug abuse are dire, including death, mental disorders, health conditions, insomnia, aggressive behavior, and involvement in other crimes.
It is important that we take a stand against drug abuse and work together to prevent it. We can start by avoiding peer pressure, enlightening the public about the harmful effects of drug abuse, and empowering drug regulation agencies to do their job better.
Let Bolu’s story serve as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of seeking help before it’s too late.
Also Read: Understanding and Confronting Drug Addiction
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