Côte d’Ivoire: Alcoholic energy drinks banned, but the Tramadol scourge persists
Côte d’Ivoire is currently facing a significant health dilemma following the recent suspension of alcoholic energy drink imports.
This measure, intended to address health concerns, brings to light a more severe and persistent issue: the rampant abuse of Tramadol.
While authorities focus on regulating alcoholic energy drinks, the market continues to be flooded with Tramadol, an opioid known for its devastating effects.
The decision to suspend the importation of alcoholic energy drinks has sparked concern among health observers.
According to officials, this suspension aims to reduce the risks of reckless behavior, addiction, and other health problems associated with their consumption.
However, this move seems to divert attention from a more pressing issue: the widespread availability of Tramadol.
This opioid painkiller is extensively used and abused in Ivory Coast. Despite its harmful effects, including addiction, respiratory depression, and high overdose risks, it remains legally accessible.
The combination of Tramadol with alcoholic or energy drinks further exacerbates health risks, leading to disastrous outcomes.
This situation raises a critical question: why focus solely on alcoholic energy drinks while neglecting the more pervasive problem of Tramadol abuse?
This approach appears inconsistent, given that Tramadol presents a far more immediate and severe danger to the population.
Additionally, mixing Tramadol with any beverage, whether alcoholic or not, can amplify its harmful effects, increasing the potential for physical and psychological damage.
To effectively tackle the public health crisis in Côte d’Ivoire, a comprehensive and coherent strategy is crucial.
This should include not only the regulation of alcoholic energy drinks but also decisive action against the distribution and abuse of Tramadol.
Only through a holistic approach can the nation hope to mitigate these significant health risks and protect its population.
Sherif Touré
