Addiction, much like other dark secrets such as domestic violence or sexual abuse, is habitually pushed under the rug. Simply put, the prevalence of addiction in our society is as rampant as the daily consumption of starchy, sub-par rice.
At its core, addiction represents an overpowering and relentless desire to continually indulge in certain behaviors or consume specific substances, even when faced with potentially harmful consequences. It’s more than just a strong wish; it’s an overriding compulsion that can dominate one’s life.
To truly grasp the mechanics of addiction, we must venture into the intricacies of the human brain. Within our brain lies a complex network of neurotransmitters and pathways designed to reward us for behaviors beneficial to our survival. Activities such as eating, drinking, or forming social connections release feel-good chemicals like dopamine, signaling the brain that these actions are ‘good’ and should be repeated.
However, addictive substances and behaviors exploit this intrinsic reward system. For instance, drugs can flood the brain with dopamine, creating a sense of euphoria. Over time, the brain becomes reliant on these substances to feel pleasure, pushing the individual to seek out that dopamine rush repeatedly. This forms a cycle of dependency. The same principles apply to behavioral addictions, like gambling or excessive internet usage, where the brain seeks repetitive dopamine releases, fostering an unbreakable cycle.
From an evolutionary lens, our ancestors’ brains were hardwired to prioritize actions that would ensure their survival and reproductive success. Consuming food when hungry, for example, would release dopamine as a reward, reinforcing the idea that eating is essential. In today’s context, addictive substances and behaviors mimic these essential survival actions, tricking the brain into associating them with survival and well-being.
This evolutionary backdrop makes it even more challenging to combat addiction. What was once a mechanism to ensure survival has now become a potential pitfall, leading many astray. When an individual attempts to quit an addictive habit, they’re not merely battling a desire; they’re contending against millions of years of evolutionary programming.
It’s essential to recognize addiction as a multifaceted issue, deeply rooted in the brain’s biochemistry and our evolutionary past. Only with this comprehensive understanding can we hope to address and eventually overcome the challenges posed by addiction.
The Demographic Puzzle and the Menace of Addiction in The Gambia
In The Gambia, the average age strikingly stands at 16.6 years, painting a vivid picture of a nation bursting with youth and potential. Diving deeper into the age structure reveals 37.44% under the age of 14, while a significant 59.08% are aged between 15 to 64. Those 65 and over form a mere 3.48% of the population, as of 2017 estimates. Such a youthful demographic should signify hope, vibrancy, and a future rife with possibilities. However, this vast reservoir of young energy, when not steered with the right guidance, becomes vulnerable to the dangers of addiction.
Addiction knows no age barriers; it finds its way into every age bracket, becoming a silent, pervasive threat in numerous households. While our cultural values lean heavily on hope, faith, and prayer as answers to life’s adversities, these spiritual tools, by themselves, cannot extricate the chains of addiction. Tangible actions, education, and proactive intervention become imperative.
In The Gambia and the broader subregion, the shadows of addiction loom large. Let’s delve deep into what I term the ‘Formidable Trio’: Sugar, social media, and Drugs.
Sugar’s Sweet Deception: The Unseen Highway to Health Havoc
Sugar, often dubbed the world’s most addictive substance, has silently woven its way into our diets, reshaping our tastes and cravings. Ancestors prized sugar for its quick energy, essential for survival. Yet, in today’s context, this sweet seduction is a double-edged sword. Overconsumption doesn’t just modify our palate; it thrusts our bodies onto a perilous path, accelerating towards metabolic dysfunction and obesity. With its inexpensive price tag and ubiquitous presence, sugar’s impact is alarmingly magnified. Shockingly, in Gambian offices, what should be the 10 am peak productivity hour often sees professionals drowning an 8-ounce cup of tea with 7-8 teaspoons of sugar. This rampant misuse doesn’t only threaten individual waistlines; it paves the way for a spectrum of health issues, from obesity and diabetes to cardiovascular diseases. As the sweet allure tightens its grip, the collective health of the nation stands at a critical juncture.
Dare to test your addiction level? Try eliminating added sugar from your diet entirely and observe your brain’s reaction. You might be startled to find it mirrors the response of someone dependent on hard drugs. It’s a profound testament to sugar’s hold over us.
Digital Chains: The Cost of Connectivity in the Social Media Age
Have you ever paused to ponder why, much like drug dealers, social media platforms refer to their clientele as “USERS”? It’s a telling sign of the addiction they brew. Social Media, in today’s digital age, has become a mainline for dopamine. Every ‘like’, ‘share’, or ‘follow’ triggers a surge of this pleasure neurotransmitter in our brains, forging a potent loop of dependency. The effects are profound, and not always benign. Prolonged screen time takes a toll on our mental well-being, disrupts our sleep, and creates a chasm between reality and the digital world’s filtered perfection. On a darker tangent, the rampant spread of pornography, available at the tap of a screen, is reshaping perceptions—both for the young and old. This altered perspective on women is dire, especially in societies already grappling with deeply embedded patriarchal norms and a concerning number of sexual predators. It’s not just about unrealistic beauty standards anymore; it’s about the very core of human respect and understanding being eroded.
In our digital rush, we’ve drifted from our innate human desire for genuine, tactile interactions in communal spaces. It’s no shock that our TikTok-driven, short attention span era is besieged with a wave of depression. The addiction masks itself behind likes and follows, only to breed deeper loneliness, diminished self-worth, and a perpetual drive to curate a disingenuous persona for fleeting validation. It’s high time we reclaim our groundedness. Consider taking regular social media sabbaticals. Leave your phone indoors and embrace the healing embrace of nature with a walk or jog. Forge authentic connections by genuinely getting to know another soul face-to-face. Let’s anchor ourselves in the tangible universe, far removed from the virtual chains of the metaverse.
GAMBIA! WE HAVE A PROBLEM!
If there’s a singular truth I implore you to grasp from this discourse, it’s the stark reality unfolding before us: The Gambia is ensnared in a drug crisis. Many parents are wearing blinders, choosing denial over acknowledgment, and our national infrastructure is woefully ill-equipped to address this deep-seated problem
Pharmacist’s Perspective.
We’ve transitioned from a society where many youngsters discreetly sipped an occasional beer (particularly in Muslim households) to casually rendezvousing with ‘Mary Jane.’ The Gambia has gradually transformed into a hub where hard drugs are easily available to the masses. Here’s a brief overview:
Cocaine (aka ‘Blow’, ‘Crack’, ‘Coke’, ‘Dust’): This powerful stimulant primarily affects the brain’s pleasure and reward centers. Chronic use can lead to extreme restlessness, paranoia, and even hallucinations. While offering a quick high, it’s associated with cardiovascular and respiratory issues, heightened risk of stroke, and severe nasal damage.
Ecstasy (aka ‘Molly’, ‘MDMA’, ‘E’, ‘X’): A popular party drug that affects mood and perception. It offers feelings of pleasure, warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception. However, with repeated use, it can lead to dehydration, increased heart rate, and even kidney failure. There’s also a risk of severe depression after the drug wears off.
Alcohol: While socially accepted in many cultures, its abuse is detrimental. Apart from liver diseases, it can lead to impaired judgment, coordination issues, slurred speech, and blackouts. Chronic alcohol consumption is linked to a higher risk of cancers, brain damage, and is a major contributor to vehicular accidents.
Cannabis (aka ‘Marijuana’, ‘Tie’ ‘Weed’, ‘Jamba’, ‘Grass’): Known for its relaxation and pleasure effects. It impacts memory, attention span, and learning. Prolonged use can lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. When smoked, it can lead to respiratory issues similar to cigarette smokers.
The pharmacist perspective.
As the drug crisis intensifies, it’s crucial to understand the role of pharmaceutical interventions, both in emergency situations and as part of a holistic recovery approach. Naloxone, for instance, is a life-saving medication that has the ability to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses. In moments where every second counts, having naloxone accessible in medical facilities and even in community settings can mean the difference between life and death.
On the other hand, in the realm of addiction recovery, antidepressants such as bupropion have shown significant promise. Not only do they help in managing withdrawal symptoms, but they also act as a buffer against the intense cravings that can lead to relapse. It’s essential to acknowledge, however, that these medications aren’t a magic pill. They offer the most benefit when used in conjunction with structured rehab programs and evidence-based therapeutic methods like cognitive behavioral therapy.
Furthermore, the pharmacist’s role goes beyond just dispensing these medications. They are often on the front lines, educating patients about potential side effects, ensuring medication adherence, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for those battling addiction. This multidisciplinary approach, combining pharmacological interventions with behavioral therapies, offers the best chance for individuals to break free from the shackles of addiction and lead fulfilling lives.
Conclusion
The stories of our Lamins, Fatous, Sambas, and Kumbas, transitioning from beacons of promise to the depths of despair due to addiction, aren’t just solitary tales of individual tragedies. They mirror a distressing narrative that is becoming all too common in our nation. These aren’t just anecdotes; they’re evidence of an impending catastrophe. As the grip of addiction tightens on our young and promising, the ramifications extend beyond personal tragedies. The rise in violent crimes, often fueled by desperate attempts to feed insatiable addictions on meager incomes, becomes an inescapable outcome.
The Gambia today stands at a precarious junction. There’s a palpable sense of brokenness, where many feel we can’t seem to get anything right. But more alarmingly, the youth — our heralded “future” — are spiraling into a void of addiction, becoming captives to the dopamine rush, and slowly transforming into unrecognizable shadows of their potential selves.
We often speak of a better tomorrow, hoping the future generation will correct the course. But what happens when that very generation is under siege? Our nation’s vitality is under threat, not just from external factors but from a corroding internal menace. It’s time to confront the stark reality: The Gambia is grappling with a rampant addiction crisis. Acceptance is our starting point. From there, we must rally together, recognizing our collective vice, and wage an unyielding battle against it. The stakes are too high to do otherwise.
In peace, love, and good health,
Dr. IDB.
For more information, follow the work of Dr. Badjie and his Innovarx WOW team on www.igh.gm and on social media @innovarxglobal @drIsmailBadjie. Ismail is also the author of newly released book “LIFE AS A HYPHEN” available at Timbooktoo Bookstore and Kairo Café (Fajara).
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general understanding and does not constitute a diagnosis. For specific concerns or detailed health advice, always consult your designated healthcare professional.
