By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
Drug abuse is not just a health issue it is a life issue. In Sierra Leone, young people are increasingly being drawn into harmful cycles of addiction, with substances such as Kush and Tramadol becoming widespread in communities affected by unemployment, financial pressure, limited youth support services, and social influence.
Families watch in distress as friends, siblings, and neighbours lose focus, motivation, and dignity. Lives are cut short, relationships collapse, and the future that should belong to young people is replaced by confusion and dependence.
Yet, amid this crisis, one truth remains clear: ending drug abuse is not only about law enforcement, clinics, or government programmes—though these are essential. It is also about personal decisions. It is about choosing self-control, choosing discipline, and choosing a future greater than the temporary escape drugs may seem to offer.
Kush is often described as a cannabis-type substance, but in many communities, it is linked to stronger and more dangerous mixtures. Its risks lie in how it affects memory, motivation, and mental clarity. Many users begin believing it is harmless or simply a way to relax. However, addiction often develops gradually—through missed responsibilities, reduced discipline, and increasing dependence.
Tramadol, a prescription drug, can also become highly addictive when misused. What may start as casual use for pain relief, stress, or recreation—can quickly interfere with the brain’s ability to regulate mood, sleep, and overall functioning. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, including cravings, depression, and mood instability.
When combined, Kush and tramadol become even more dangerous. One reduces inhibition while the other alters mental and physical control. Together, they increase the risk of accidents, deepen addiction, and intensify emotional instability.
Drug abuse rarely begins with a clear intention to become addicted. Many young people are influenced by peer pressure, curiosity, frustration, financial hardship, or emotional distress. What seems like a harmless experiment can gradually turn into dependence.
Some also mistake drug use for freedom. Addiction removes freedom. At first, individuals feel in control but over time, the substance begins to control their decisions, shaping their daily lives and limiting their ability to stop.
Environmental factors also contribute. Family conflict, lack of mentorship, and limited youth engagement opportunities can increase vulnerability. In communities where drug use becomes normalized, the barrier to addiction is lowered, making it easier for young people to fall into destructive habits.
Drugs often promise relief from real-life problems stress, poverty, loneliness, trauma, or disappointment. However, that relief is temporary and comes at a cost.
A common cycle emerges a real problem exists. Drug use provides temporary escape. The effect fades. The problem returns often worse. The individual uses again to escape.
Over time, the brain begins to depend on the substance for emotional balance. Breaking this cycle requires more than momentary willpower it demands consistent changes in behaviour, environment, and coping strategies.
Government agencies, NGOs, and healthcare providers all play important roles. However, no system can force recovery if the individual is not ready. Real change begins with personal commitment.
There is a critical difference between wanting to stop and choosing to stop wanting is emotional: “I’m tired of this.” Choosing is deliberate: “I will protect my future.”
A young person who chooses change begins to act differently avoiding risky environments, distancing from negative influences, and seeking support.
Developing control over one’s life is a process built through repeated decisions. Here are practical steps: Set clear goals for your life. When your future is defined, it becomes harder to sacrifice it for temporary pleasure.
Recognize the people, places, or emotions that lead to drug use. Avoiding them is a strategic decision, not a weakness.
Choose friends who encourage growth. True friends will respect your decision to change. Find healthier ways to deal with stress such as sports, education, skills training, prayer, or mentorship.
Speaking to a trusted adult, counsellor, or religious leader is a sign of strength. Silence only prolongs the problem.
Recovery is a journey. Small victories build confidence and reduce dependence.
While circumstances influence behaviour, recovery ultimately depends on personal responsibility. That responsibility is strengthened by supportive families, mentors, and accessible services but the decision to change must come from within.
When young people choose a better future, they begin to see drug abuse as a dead end. They focus on education, careers, skills, and self-respect. They understand that one poor decision can undo months or years of progress.
Drug abuse damages not only the body but also identity—the sense of purpose and potential. The good news is that identity can be rebuilt. Those who overcome addiction often emerge stronger, more disciplined, and more determined.
To every young person struggling with Kush and tramadol: you are not alone. But the first step begins with you.
Choose your future over your cravings. Choose discipline over temptation. Choose help over silence. Choose growth over escape.
Let this generation stand together and say: addiction will not define our future. The progress of Sierra Leone depends on the choices its young people make today.