A concerning trend is emerging among young people in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where they are misusing prescription medications to get high. The practice, known as "Mpuku amemi congélateur," involves consuming medications like diazepam and tramadol outside of a medical setting. These medications are often obtained without a prescription and are used to achieve a sense of euphoria. According to a young person who uses these medications, "Mpuku amemi congélateur" is like a fuel for them, making them feel at ease despite the negative effects.
The mixture of these medications has become a habit for some young people, who claim that it is less expensive than buying beer. A 20-year-old, Fellow, shared his experience with Ouragan.cd, stating that he often mixes tramadol and diazepam, which costs him 1,000 FC. However, the effects of these medications can be severe, including drowsiness, decreased vigilance, and abnormal sensations of heat. In some cases, users may experience a loss of control, with Fellow noting that the effects can take four hours to manifest.
The name "Mpuku amemi congélateur" is reportedly inspired by the effects observed in a mouse that ingested a substance containing diazepam. Young people claim that they can obtain these medications without a prescription, which is a major concern for health professionals. Pierre Ndutu, an nurse at the Elykia health post, warned that diazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine family and can have serious consequences when used abusively, including dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
The misuse of prescription medications can have long-term consequences, including dependence and changes in behavior. Health professionals emphasize that these medications should only be used for therapeutic purposes and under medical supervision. However, Ouragan.cd found that several pharmacies in Kinshasa sell these medications without requiring a prescription. When contacted, the pharmacy owners refused to comment on this practice.
The trend of misusing prescription medications highlights the need for greater control over the distribution of these substances and awareness-raising campaigns among young people. The consequences of this practice can be severe, affecting not only the individuals involved but also their families and communities. As the situation continues to unfold, health professionals and authorities must work together to address this issue.
In addition to the health risks, the misuse of prescription medications also raises questions about the accessibility of these substances and the role of pharmacies in regulating their sale. Ouragan.cd's investigation found that some pharmacies are not following the necessary protocols for dispensing these medications, which can contribute to their misuse.
The "Mpuku amemi congélateur" trend is a symptom of a broader issue in Kinshasa, where young people are seeking ways to cope with stress and difficult living conditions. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential to address the root causes of this behavior and provide young people with alternative and healthier ways to manage their emotions and find support.
Key points
- Young people in DR Congo are misusing prescription medications like diazepam and tramadol to get high, often at a lower cost than alcohol.
- The misuse of prescription medications can have severe consequences, including dependence and changes in behavior.
- Health professionals and authorities must work together to address this issue and raise awareness among young people about the risks associated with misusing prescription medications.
