Energy drinks sold at supermarkets to anyone regardless of age could promote addiction as they contain a high percentage of caffeine which a human body can become addicted to, health experts have warned. Addiction is still a problem in the Kingdom despite awareness campaigns launched by government and civil society organizations. Dr. Muhammad Al-Zahrani, Supervisor General of Al-Amal Complex for Mental Health, said that over the past three years more than 25 women between the ages of 20 and 49 were found to be addicts. Over the same period there were 4,579 cases of male addicts recorded. There were 29 percent more males than females addicted to one or two drugs. A total of 25 percent of men were addicted to more than two drugs while 20 percent were addicted to amphetamines, Al-Zahrani was quoted by Al-Yawm arabic newspaper as saying. Rehabilitation of families Families with drug addicts should visit a sociology specialist at a hospital that has a drug addiction treatment department, Al-Zahrani said. The complex has signed a cooperation agreement with Prince Muhammad Bin Fahd Program for Rehabilitating Newly Released Prisoners, Al-Zahrani added. “The problem lies in the fact that most drug addicts use Captagon, which has a strong effect on the human nervous system.” Painkillers and analgesics Dr. Maha Al-Mazroo, Director of the Regional Center for Fighting Poisons in the Eastern Province, said that “painkillers, analgesics, sleeping pills and some psychological drugs are the most commonly abused medications because they contain strong palliatives. These medications usually cause addiction if taken without medical advice. Some drug addicts use them if they cannot find drugs.” “We focus on unregistered medications which are promoted as medications for infertility, weight reduction, arthritis,” Dr. Al-Mazroo said. Analysis has proven these medications contain internationally banned substances. “Regrettably, we see some of these medications advertised in daily newspapers,” she added. Over-the-counter drugs Doctors have said that abuse of medications can lead to dangerous consequences and warned about ignoring prescribed dosages. Excessive use of over-the-counter medications might cause recurrent pain and poisoning. Many people buy medications without a doctor's prescription assuming that such medications won't have severe side-effects. According to a report that appeared in the American Journal of Medicine and Drugs, repeated use of over-the-counter medications can cause chronic headaches. Some medications like Tramadol, which is prescribed to patients with neurological disorders or sickle cell anemia to kill pain, can be addictive if abused. There are many Arab countries whose people get addicted to such medications unlike the case in the Kingdom.
