Creating Opportunities for Disadvantaged Persons -CODaP

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Addiction isn’t about using drugs; it’s about what drugs do to your life

The use of illegal drugs among young people and adolescents has been a challenge in Sierra Leone for many years. The increase in the varieties of drugs is of high concern to families and communities. In recent years, a new drug called KUSH has emerged, which is ravaging the health and wellbeing of anyone that becomes an abuser. According to The Telegraph, KUSH first emerged in Sierra Leone approximately five years ago and its harmful effect is prevalent for all citizens of Sierra Leone.

KUSH AND ITS MEDICAL EFFECTS
KUSH is a synthetic, cannabinoid-like drug that due to its low price and its broad accessibility within our communities has made its way to every corner of the country. The drug in itself induces a long-lasting, hypnotic high which can detach users from reality for several hours.

The composition of KUSH in Sierra Leone is not confirmed and according to some users, the combination varies from place to place and dealer to dealer. Acetone, methanol, fentanyl, tramadol and marshmallow are said to be some of the ingredients, as well as formalin which is a disinfectant and diazepam. Additionally, some people have reported that human bones (graves dug up and skeleton stolen) are being crushed up and added to the KUSH. The mixture of all the chemical and ingredients is done locally but some of the ingredients are imported into the country.

We’re joined by young Medical professionals to discuss the issues of Kush in Sierra Leone on the 18th May 2024,its a fight for young people am extremely excited to join young doctors police officers and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to discuss this issue.
Congratulations to the newly elected President,Dr Karim Bah

Let’s work on solutions beyond stigma.
We are honored by Rotary partners to choose our Director as their guest for this year’s conference on youth and mental health engagement..
One community at a time
Mental health is wealth.

The Executive Director of CODaP - Sahid Bangura Partakes in Stakeholders Meeting on the Fight Against the Synthetic Kush

Sahid Bangura, on the 5th April, 2024, took part in stakeholders engagement on how Freetown authorities will actively involve in the fight against substance use, which the President of our nation just declared a public health emergency.

As he addressed the meeting, Sahid said emotions are not to be used in addressing an issue of substance use disorders in as It takes knowledge, leadership and courage to have a drug-free nation.

He further Thanked the Mayor of Freetown and her committed team for staging a timely meeting, including key hands in same. He indicated that the mayor has been in this effective consultations for almost a year now. I am hoping for fast interventions in our communities, Sahid said.

While addressing same, he emphasized that while focusing on fighting the dealers, professionals of the related areas should be called upon to involve in fighting both the eradication of addiction and its effects.

Establishing a rehabilitation center by the government is laudable; it is a step we all need to support and platforms are to be given to the qualified persons to handle its runnings, Sahid asserted.

He further stated that We are struggling as a nation to address substance misuse because of the blames on victims as we pay little attention to the fact that addiction is an illness and it’s taking away our youthful population.

Using his experience in mental health and substance education, he said recovery goes with self love, community effort, social justice and that you don't need to be a millionaire or a politician or a social media influencer to help someone that's suffering from addiction as that set of population needs love among others. The road to recovery takes a village.. Just make an effort with someone today in your community who's an addict, just show him or her love, tell him that you are not in this alone and that I will be with you till you get your recovery and I love you.

He further cautioned people to stop calling them stain names. The stigma will push them to where we are all trying to take them from.

He asked that we all put our hands together to win this fight.

Sahid Bangura
Director
CODaP