Drug abuse is into different classification. Codeine falls into the category of derivative of the opiate. Cough syrups like Benylin with codeine is one of the forms by which people are exposed to codeine use, though the intention of the manufacturers are for therapeutic purposes.

but the users especially the young people nowadays now use this drug for recreational purposes and because of the addictive nature of the opiate and codeine being one of them; the tendency to be dependent on drug is very high. Hence, the reason for the prevalence of its abuse among young people in Nigeria. Public enlightenment about drug abuse needs to be strengthened.

What we have now is not enough. Benylin with Codeine is not controlled and there is urgent need to control it by prescriptions so that the young people can be helped out of drug abuse. I am advocating routine drug screening at least once a year to achieve early detection amongst young people in various higher institutions across Nigeria and parents must ensure supervision of their children.

They must take time to visit school once in a while to understand the lives their children are living away from home.


Mr. Titus Taiwo Ajayi, a psychiatric nurse and drug abuse expert works at Neuropsychiatric hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State
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