Tapentadol Abuse Among Young People in Ghana – A Growing Public Health Crisis
Tapentadol Abuse Among Young People in Ghana – A Growing Public Health Crisis | This is the second part of the series on the abuse of what is popularly known in Ghana as “Red”. Tapentadol abuse among young people in Ghana has become so common that in recent times, it has found itself in the news. Cities like Wa in the Upper West Region and Tamale in the Northern Region have all been in the news for how common this menace has become.
Security service have had a hard time clamping down on the illegal transportation and distribution of the drug. In this next piece we explore and examine the warning signs of tapentadol abuse, its short- and long-term health effects, the emerging situation in Ghana, and practical steps families can take to recognize and respond to opioid misuse early.
Warning Signs of Tapentadol Abuse
Recognizing the early signs of tapentadol misuse can make a significant difference in preventing addiction and reducing the risk of serious health complications. Although not everyone will display the same symptoms, a combination of physical, emotional, behavioural, and social changes may indicate that a young person is struggling with opioid misuse.
Parents, teachers, healthcare providers, and friends should pay attention to persistent changes rather than isolated incidents. Early intervention often leads to better recovery outcomes.
Physical Warning Signs
Tapentadol affects the central nervous system, and misuse can produce noticeable physical symptoms. These may include:
- Frequent drowsiness or excessive sleepiness
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness or poor balance
- Constricted (“pinpoint”) pupils
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Unexplained weight loss
- Poor personal hygiene
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Reduced coordination
As dependence develops, the individual may appear physically unwell, constantly tired, or unable to participate in normal daily activities.
Behavioural Warning Signs
Behavioural changes are often among the earliest indicators of substance misuse. A young person abusing tapentadol may:
- Begin taking medications without a doctor’s prescription.
- Frequently ask friends or relatives for pain medications.
- Visit multiple healthcare facilities in an attempt to obtain additional prescriptions.
- Secretly store tablets in bags, drawers, or clothing.
- Withdraw from family activities.
- Lose interest in hobbies and sports.
- Miss school, lectures, or work.
- Display declining academic performance.
- Become unusually secretive about their activities.
Some individuals may also experience financial difficulties because of spending money to obtain drugs.
Emotional and Psychological Signs
Tapentadol misuse can significantly affect mood and mental health. Warning signs include:
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Lack of motivation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor memory
- Increased sensitivity to stress
- Emotional instability
As addiction progresses, obtaining and using the drug may become the person’s primary focus, often at the expense of education, work, and relationships.
Health Effects of Tapentadol Abuse
Tapentadol is effective for managing severe pain when used appropriately under medical supervision. However, abusing the drug can have serious consequences affecting nearly every organ system in the body.
Short-Term Health Effects
Misusing tapentadol may cause:
Excessive Drowsiness
The drug slows brain activity, making users feel sleepy or unable to remain alert. This increases the risk of road traffic accidents, workplace injuries, and falls.
Dizziness and Poor Coordination
Young people abusing tapentadol may experience impaired balance and slower reaction times, making routine activities dangerous.
Confusion
Higher doses can affect thinking and decision-making, leading to poor judgment and risky behaviour.
Nausea and Vomiting
These common opioid side effects can lead to dehydration if persistent.
Constipation
Opioids slow bowel movement, and prolonged misuse often causes severe constipation requiring medical treatment.
Respiratory Depression
One of the most dangerous effects of opioid misuse is slowed breathing. Severe respiratory depression can reduce oxygen supply to vital organs and may become life-threatening.
Long-Term Health Effects
Continued misuse of tapentadol significantly increases the risk of chronic health problems.
Tolerance
Over time, the body adapts to the medication, meaning larger doses are needed to achieve the same effect. This increases the likelihood of overdose.
Physical Dependence
The body begins to rely on the drug to function normally. If use suddenly stops, withdrawal symptoms may occur.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sweating
- Restlessness
- Muscle pain
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Chills
- Irritability
Withdrawal can be distressing but is usually manageable under medical supervision.
Addiction (Opioid Use Disorder)
Addiction is a chronic medical condition in which an individual continues using a drug despite harmful consequences. It affects brain function and self-control and often requires comprehensive treatment rather than willpower alone.
Mental Health Problems
Long-term opioid misuse is associated with:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Emotional instability
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts in vulnerable individuals
Poor Academic and Career Outcomes
Students struggling with addiction often experience:
- Falling grades
- Missed examinations
- School dropout
- Reduced productivity
- Difficulty maintaining employment
Overdose
An opioid overdose is a medical emergency.
Symptoms may include:
- Very slow or stopped breathing
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Extreme drowsiness
- Inability to wake the person
- Pinpoint pupils
- Loss of consciousness
Without urgent medical attention, overdose can result in permanent brain injury or death.
The Situation in Ghana
Although comprehensive national data specifically on tapentadol misuse remain limited, concerns about the misuse of prescription medicines and opioids have grown among healthcare professionals, public health experts, and regulatory authorities in Ghana.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA Ghana), Pharmacy Council, and law enforcement agencies continue to monitor the illegal distribution of controlled medicines. Ghana has also strengthened regulations on prescription medicines to reduce inappropriate access and misuse.
At the same time, experts caution that opioids should remain available for patients who genuinely need them for pain management. The challenge is to balance access to appropriate medical treatment with measures that prevent diversion and non-medical use.
Healthcare providers have emphasized the importance of prescribing opioids responsibly, educating patients about safe use, and monitoring individuals who require long-term pain management.
Communities also have a role to play. Parents, schools, religious organizations, youth groups, and civil society organizations can contribute by raising awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and encouraging young people to seek healthy ways of coping with stress.
How Families Can Help Prevent Tapentadol Abuse
Families are often the first line of defence against substance misuse. Strong family support can reduce the likelihood of addiction and encourage early treatment when problems arise.
1. Encourage Open Communication
Young people should feel comfortable discussing stress, anxiety, peer pressure, or emotional struggles without fear of harsh judgment.
Parents who actively listen are more likely to identify problems early.
2. Learn About Prescription Medicines
Parents and guardians should understand that prescription opioids can be addictive if misused.
Knowing the risks helps families educate children accurately.
3. Store Medicines Safely
Prescription painkillers should be:
- Kept out of children’s reach
- Stored in locked cabinets where possible
- Never shared with relatives or friends
- Properly disposed of when no longer needed
Safe storage reduces opportunities for experimentation.
4. Watch for Behavioural Changes
Parents should pay attention to persistent changes in:
- Sleeping patterns
- School attendance
- Friendships
- Mood
- Spending habits
- Academic performance
One sign alone does not necessarily indicate drug misuse, but multiple concerning changes warrant a compassionate conversation.
5. Seek Professional Help Early
If substance misuse is suspected, families should seek help promptly from:
- A qualified physician
- A psychiatrist
- A psychologist
- An addiction counsellor
- A mental health professional
Early intervention greatly improves recovery outcomes.
6. Support Recovery Without Stigma
Addiction is a medical condition—not a moral failing.
Families should encourage treatment while avoiding shame or discrimination, which can discourage individuals from seeking help.
Practical support, patience, and ongoing encouragement are essential during recovery.
7. Promote Healthy Alternatives
Parents can encourage young people to build resilience by participating in:
- Sports and physical activity
- Community service
- Religious or faith-based programmes
- Creative arts
- Skills training
- Volunteer work
- Healthy social activities
Constructive engagement helps reduce boredom, improve mental well-being, and lower the risk of substance misuse.
Tapentadol Abuse Among Young People in Ghana – A Growing Public Health Crisis Looking Ahead
Tapentadol abuse can have devastating consequences for young people, affecting their education, health, relationships, and future opportunities. However, recognizing the warning signs early and providing timely support can prevent addiction from taking hold.
In Part 3, We will explore effective prevention strategies, treatment options for tapentadol addiction, answers to frequently asked questions, key takeaways, academic references, and a concluding call to action aimed at protecting Ghana’s youth from prescription opioid misuse.
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