IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EVALUATION AND PHYSICAL REPORT (IJMEPR )

E-ISSN 2579-0498
P-ISSN 2695-2181
VOL. 8 NO. 3 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56201/ijmepr.v8.no3.2024.pg64.78

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Ketamine and Cocaine: Analyzing Substance Use Disorder in Ghana

Prince Opuni Frimpong

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Abstract

This analysis utilizes the ECLISPSE framework to achieve integrated perspective on the intensifying yet overlooked crisis of stimulant use disorders in Ghana. Inspection of limited data reveals surging cocaine and ketamine addiction concentrated so far in urban zones, youth, and those impoverished. Expected wide-ranging health, social and economic impacts imply gross deficiencies in monitoring, research and multisector capacity building urgently warrant high-level declaration and intervention. Legal revisions embracing harm reduction over ineffective criminalization alongside major investments in affordable, accessible treatment systems can alleviate damage if enacted swiftly at national scale in cooperation with international guidance. Overcoming cultural and resourcing barriers blocking public health-grounded approaches must occur through education and advocacy highlighting the preventable morbidity and life promise at stake.

keywords:

Stimulant addiction; Substance use disorder; Drug policy reform; Harm reduction; Ghana

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References:

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cocaine users and their attendance at a psychiatric hospital: A pilot study. African journal
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Adjei, J. K., Okyerefo, M. P., Mensah, K. D., Yeboah, T., Phebi, W. A., & Akpalu, A. (2020).
Relationship between substance use and psychiatric disorders among inmates of a
Ghanaian youth correctional facility. Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy,
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Agbanu, S. K., Nortey, P. A., Nyarko, K. M., Amissah, C. M., Heinrich-Heine-Universität, &
Düsseldorf (2022). Challenges facing the implementation of Ghana's Mental Health Act
846 of 2012: A descriptive cross-sectional survey. International journal of mental health
systems, 16(1), 1-11.

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