By Suleiman Tajudeen
CITIZENS COMPASS-— increase the risk of infections, including bacterial and viral infections.
Malnutrition: Individuals addicted to pentazocine may experience malnutrition due to poor diet and neglect of nutritional needs.
Cognitive impairment: Pentazocine addiction can cause cognitive impairment, including memory loss and difficulty concentrating.
Mood changes: Pentazocine addiction can lead to mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, and depression.
Social and relationship problems: Pentazocine addiction can cause social and relationship problems, including strained relationships and social isolation.
Prevention of Pentazocine addiction
Regulation of prescription drugs: Strict regulations on the supply of controlled drugs like pentazocine can help prevent misuse.
Education and awareness: Raising awareness about the risks of pentazocine addiction and promoting safe use practices can help prevent misuse.
Medical detox and rehabilitation: Comprehensive treatment approaches, including medical detox and rehabilitation programs, can help individuals overcome pentazocine addiction.
Proper pain management: Implementing institutional protocols for pain management and ensuring optimal control of acute pain can help reduce pentazocine misuse.
Monitoring and tracking: Monitoring and tracking pentazocine prescriptions and use can help identify potential misuse.
Alternative pain management: Exploring alternative pain management options, such as non-pharmacological interventions, can reduce the need for pentazocine.
Healthcare provider education: Educating healthcare providers about the risks of pentazocine addiction and promoting responsible prescribing practices can help prevent misuse.
Patient education: Educating patients about the risks of pentazocine addiction and promoting safe use practices can help prevent misuse.
Community-based initiatives: Community-based initiatives, such as awareness campaigns and support groups, can help prevent pentazocine misuse.
Policy changes: Policy changes, such as stricter regulations on prescription drugs, can help prevent pentazocine misuse.
Research and development: Continued research and development of new pain management options and addiction treatments can help address pentazocine addiction.
Management
Medical detoxification: This can help individuals safely withdraw from pentazocine and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Rehabilitation programs: Comprehensive rehabilitation programs, including counseling and therapy, can help individuals overcome pentazocine addiction.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with pentazocine addiction.
Support groups: Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, can provide individuals with a sense of community and support in recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment: Medication-assisted treatment, such as methadone or buprenorphine, can help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Individualized treatment: Individualized treatment plans can help address the unique needs and circumstances of each individual.
Family support: Family support and education can play a critical role in the recovery process.
Aftercare Planning: Aftercare planning can help individuals transition back to daily life and maintain sobriety.
Relapse prevention: Relapse prevention strategies, such as identifying triggers and developing coping skills, can help individuals maintain sobriety.
Continued support: Continued support and follow-up care can help individuals maintain recovery and address any ongoing challenges.
References
Adewoyin, A., Adeyemi, O., Davies, N., & Ojo, M. (n.d.). Clinical and socio-demographic determinants of pentazocine misuse among patients with sickle cell disease, Benin City, Nigeria: a case-control study.
European Journal of Pharmacology (1995). “Pentazocine Analgesia in Mice: Interactions with a Sigma Receptor System”.
Iheanacho, O. E., Ezenwenyi, I. P., & Enosolease, M. E. (2015). Pentazocine abuse in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Seen at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria: A Chronic Menace. International Journal of Tropical Disease & Health, 9(1), 1–8.
Dr Suleiman Tajudeen is Director, Clinical Psychology, LUTH (Retired) & CEO/Director of Clinical Psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos State. +234 803 402 4457
