Physician Assistant at the Boamang Health Center in the Afigya Kwabre North District in Ashanti Region, Dr. Kwaku Boateng has revealed that stopping a drug addict from using drugs is like telling them to stop breathing.
In an interview with Aduanaba Abena Saah on Fish 88.5’s Adekye3 Mu Nsem Morning show, Dr. Boateng explained that drug addiction is a complex problem that is characterized by dependence.
“When someone is addicted to hard drugs such as tramadol and heroin, their lives depend on it. They need the drugs to function, just like a normal person needs food, water, and a place to sleep.
The dependence on drugs is so strong that drug addicts are willing to sell their hard-earned properties just to buy drugs. This is because they believe that the drugs are essential to their survival.
The addiction is not a matter of choice, but rather a physical and psychological dependence that is difficult to overcome”, he added
Dr. Boateng reiterated that it is therefore not possible to tell a drug addict to stop using drugs at once because the withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and in some cases, life-threatening instead, drug addiction requires a comprehensive approach that involves medical, psychological, and social interventions.
He stated that Drug abuse is a public health issue that needs urgent attention hence the government needs to pay attention to it like other health issues since it is killing a lot of people in the country.
He advised that it is a bad approach to arrest drug addicts and put them in jail.
“What they need is access to quality healthcare, rehabilitation services, and social support” Dr. Boateng concluded