The Use, Abuse and Control of Cough syrup Containing Codeine in Sokoto Metropolis

Abstract

Codeine is a prescription pain medication used to treat mild to moderate pain. It comes in tablet form or as cough syrup. Cough syrup have been widely abused for years, especially by adolescents who want to get high or drunk without stealing alcohol or paying for illicit drugs. Since cough syrups are legal for purchase, many people have abused these medicines. The aim of this study is to find out the causes and effects of cough syrup abuse among the youths in Sokoto metropolis. Subjects for this study included two hundred and thirty-four codeine syrup. A significant, 91% of the subjects were 15years to 34years old. It was observed that interaction with bad friends and peer pressure was the major factor that influenced the subjects to abuse cough syrup. A total of 77% of the subjects indicated that they purchase and consume between 1 to three bottles of cough syrup daily. A significant number of the subject (98%) noted that they access the cough syrup easily from drug stores in the city and that the abuse the cough syrup because it makes them feel happy and relaxed. There is need for government to invest in public enlightenment programme among the youths and adolescent to educate them on the health effect of cough syrup addition. There is also the need to set up adolescent, young adult and adult rehabilitation programs to help people struggling with cough syrup addiction.