By Simeon OSAJIE
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu on Thursday said that the UBTH is the first teaching hospital to open a drug testing centre in the South-south geopolitical zone of the country with the mandate to screen and address the escalating and far-reaching consequences of substance abuse in the region.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu made the disclosure during a stakeholders workshop on the need for screening of alcohol and substance abuse which climaxed with the unveiling of the first drug testing centre domiciled in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Benin City, Edo State.
The CMD said that substance abuse is an increasing concern in the society, noting that its consequences are far-reaching.
“Today is more than the opening of a facility. It is a further step in our collective effort towards prevention, early intervention, safer communities, and better health outcomes.
“We see it in impaired judgement, road traffic accidents, violence, broken families, poor academic and occupational performance, declining productivity and, tragically, loss of life.
“The substances involved may differ, but the consequences can be devastating.” Prof. Ize-Iyamu said.
The CMD listed some of the substances for tests at the UBTH testing centre to include, Amphetamine, Benzodiazepines, Marijuana/Cannabis, Ethanol, Fentanyl, Methadone, Tramadol and Barbiturates.
According to the CMD, Amphetamines, sometimes referred to as speed or uppers, can cause agitation, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, impaired judgement and, in severe cases, psychosis and seizures.
She said that Benzodiazepines, including medicines popularly known as Valium and Rohypnol, can cause excessive sedation, impaired coordination and memory problems and can become particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol or opioids.
While the CMD added that Marijuana or Cannabis, commonly referred to as weed, skunk or Loud, can impair memory, concentration, coordination and judgement and, in some individuals, may contribute to severe anxiety, paranoia and other psychological problems.
The CMD who listed ethanol alcohol as socially accepted noted that excessive use can impair judgment and coordination and contribute to accidents, violence, dependence, liver disease, and other serious health consequences.
“Then there are opioids such as Fentanyl, Methadone and tramadol.
“Fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid, and excessive exposure can rapidly cause respiratory depression and death.
“Methadone, although it has legitimate medical uses, can cause dangerous sedation and respiratory depression when misused or combined with other substances.
“Tramadol, commonly called Trams in informal settings, is widely used medically for pain but can be abused and may result in dependence, seizures, impaired consciousness, and other serious complications.
“Barbiturates, which are central nervous system depressants, can cause severe sedation and, in excessive amounts, respiratory depression, coma and death. And the danger is not always from one substance alone,” Prof. Ize-Iyamu said.
On his part, Director, Forensics and DNA Centre UNIBEN, Prof. Eddy Ehikhamenor said that domestic violence is on the rise because of substance abuse.
Dignitaries present at the workshop includes Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Festus O. Ebea, Commander, Narcotics, NDLEA Edo State Command, Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, Chief Magistrate, Delta State Judiciary, Mrs. Tegwolo Okungbowa, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Mr. Monday Agbonika among others.