Watch | Sierra Leone battle with 'Zombie Drug' Xylazine crisis: Know lethal effects of 'Kush'
PTC Web Desk: Sierra Leone, a West African nation known for its resilience in the face of adversity, finds itself embroiled in a crisis of monumental proportions. The country is grappling with the devastating effects of xylazine abuse, a highly addictive psychoactive drug also known as "tranq" or "Kush". This crisis has prompted President Julius Maada Bio to declare a national emergency, recognising the grave threat posed by rampant abuse of the 'Zombie Drug'.
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The Rise of 'Kush' and Grave Robbing
Referred to colloquially as 'Kush', the drug has sent shockwaves through Sierra Leone as addicts resort to desperate measures, including grave robbing, to fuel their addiction. According to reports by BBC, addicts have turned to exhuming human skeletons to extract bones for the production of the 'Zombie Drug'. This disturbing practice underscores the depths of desperation to which addiction can drive individuals.
President Julius Maada Bio has condemned the drug as a "death trap" and emphasised its existential threat to the nation. In a nationwide address, he announced measures to combat the crisis, including the establishment of a National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse.
Impact on Public Health
The Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital, the country's sole institution of its kind, has reported a staggering surge in admissions linked to 'kush' abuse. According to BBC, admissions surged by almost 4,000% between 2020 and 2023, reaching 1,865 cases. This exponential increase highlights the profound impact of the crisis on public health, with families torn apart and communities left reeling in its wake.
Understanding the 'Zombie Drug'
Xylazine commonly known as the 'Zombie Drug', is a non-opioid sedative primarily used for veterinary purposes. However, its illicit use has proliferated, with alarming consequences. The drug induces a hypnotic high, causing users to fall into a deep sedated state for several hours. The nickname 'Zombie Drug' stems from the drug's tendency to render users unconscious and shambling, resembling the appearance of zombies.
The Lethal Effects
Xylazine abuse poses grave risks to human health, with potential life-threatening consequences. The drug can cause difficulty breathing, dangerously low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and severe wounds that can become infected. Moreover, the sedative effects of xylazine can lead to asphyxiation, as users may choke on their tongue or suffocate in their vomit without experiencing distress signals to wake up or move.
- With inputs from agencies
